Sweden come from behind to seize #EuroLeagueW crown

Sweden crowned themselves #EuroLeagueW champions for 2026 as they edged Slovenia 3-2 (15-25, 18-25, 25-20, 25-18, 15-12) for a second time in as many matches to complete their journey in the competition with an immaculate record of 10 straight wins. It was a fitting and climactic finale to a season where Sweden and Slovenia had emerged as the dominant forces right from the start of the League Round. Sweden had previously claimed the European Golden League title in 2024. 

Only a few days ago in Örebro, Sweden had come from behind (1-2) to edge Slovenia at the tiebreak. On Saturday evening, they mounted an even more impressive comeback from two sets down as hosts Slovenia had caught a flying start to the return match mobilising all of their strength in an effort to reach the Golden Set. Even though Slovenia looked in control after two sets, Sweden fought their way back powered by their undisputed superstar and birthday girl Isabelle Haak, top scorer of the match with a personal tally of 28 points, including four in the fifth set alone.

At the beginning, Sweden clearly struggled to find confidence and any kind of structure in most areas of its game. “I agree, though Slovenia was also really good. We knew they would come out with a completely different attitude and were well prepared, but you could say we gave them a little finger and they took the whole hand,” said setter Vilma Julevik after the award ceremony at Športna Dvorana Vižmarje Brod late Saturday night. Ahead of the third set, head coach Lorenzo Micelli also gave the order to take more risks. “Partly to try to turn the match around, but also to get going and rise to our usual level ahead of a potential deciding Golden Set.”
In the third set, Sweden found both rhythm and confidence and suddenly became the team with clear momentum, and as so many times before, Isabelle Haak took the lead. In the fourth set, the balance of power between the teams shifted further when Slovenian attacking star Fatoumatta Sillah injured her foot and was forced to leave the court. The fifth set was tight, but Sweden did not lose its grip.

This triumph bodes well for the CEV EuroVolley that Sweden will contest on home soil in a few weeks only – with matches to be played in Göteborg. “It was really important. The kind of test we got, especially in the semi-final and final matches against Hungary and Slovenia, is exactly what we need. Great to win the European League and feel what we are capable of. We don't need to prove we are good, we have already done that. On top of that, we have shown we never give up,” Julevik added. 

“Of course, it feels amazing! We had two horrible sets to start with but we knew we could come back and we had anticipated this was going to be a long match – and so it was! We never stop fighting! I am happy for the whole team and for the coach, as we have been working very hard for this to happen. I think we deserve it,” Haak said. “At the beginning of this journey, it was mostly about finding our own rhythm. We knew that from the semis the level would raise significantly. We played two good semis and also in the finals, focussing more on ourselves than on the opponent and I am really happy with the journey we made in this competition.” 

Saša Planinšec, captain of Slovenia: “Right now, it is hard to say anything, except that we are all very sorry, as we started the match well and had the opportunity to turn this final series in our favour and play a Golden Set. Unfortunately, at one point in the third set, we lost the momentum we had in the first two sets. Sadly, combined with a few unlucky situations, things did not turn out the way we wanted. Still, we have nothing to reproach ourselves for; we left everything we had on the court. It is what it is, we are going for the win next year.”

“We knew they would start very aggressively and we were prepared for this scenario,” commented Sweden head coach Lorenzo Micelli. “We did not start in the best way, but slowly but surely we improved. I am sorry for the injury suffered by Sillah and I wish this is nothing too serious and that she will recover soon. I am happy for my players and I think we deserve this success. Both teams had a great season – we travelled extensively and the players came from a long and tiring club season. However, my players showed a great attitude and never complained about anything – and this has played a key role in our success too. We were all together in this and I am very happy for my players – they have been rewarded for their hard work and exemplary commitment.” 

After an early flight home on Sunday morning, the team will get a few days off before EuroVolley preparations enter their final phase.

The top four teams – Sweden, Slovenia, Hungary, and Slovakia – from the revamped European League have all secured their participation in the CEV EuroVolley 2028.