Swedish comeback seals 3-2 win in #EuroLeagueW first final

They did it again. Just like in the first semi-final against Hungary, the Swedish national team produced a remarkable comeback as the first final of the CEV Volleyball European League 2026 against Slovenia was played in Örebro on Wednesday evening. “A real final between the tournament’s two best teams, both of whom deserved to win,” said head coach Lorenzo Micelli after the 3-2 (25-18, 21-25, 17-25, 27-25, 15-13) victory.

“I expect a close and tough match.” That is what setter Vilma Julevik said ahead of Wednesday’s match. But nobody among the 1,400-strong home crowd at Örebro's Idrottshuset, or those following the broadcast, could have guessed the drama that awaited. The drama was resolved after two hours and eight minutes of play and 211 points (105-106), with Isabelle Haak – unsurprisingly – putting away the match-winning point. The home crowd was already on its feet, and the finish was met with both jubilation and sighs of relief.

Sweden started strongest and won the first set comfortably, but few believed the rest of the match would be easy. Slovenia, led by Italy-based professional Fatoumatta Sillah, showed a completely different side in the remaining sets. Sillah’s precisely placed finishes and quick attacks through the middle gave Slovenia the upper hand, while the Swedish side struggled at times to find its rhythm. Trailing 1-2 in sets, Sweden’s comeback began, led by the team’s captain and veteran, who set the tone with powerful attacks and some spectacular blocks.

“Absolutely, she lit up the whole team,” said Lorenzo Micelli of Anna Haak, who was deservedly named the team’s best player. The comeback nearly slipped away – Sweden had to save a match point before the fourth set was decided 27-25, forcing a dramatic, decisive fifth set.

Both teams fought hard for the win, and with successes and mistakes evenly shared, the battle remained tense right up to 13-13 before Sweden sealed it with the final two points.

Anna Haak was delighted after the match: “I think the people watching from the sidelines were more nervous than we were. Sure, it was an uphill battle, but we truly believed in our ability to fight back from behind. We really found the fire within us today – and what great support we got from the crowd,” said the Swedish team captain.

Her sister Isabelle Haak, as ever a powerful attacking weapon for Sweden, was the one to deliver the winning point. She, too, was happy and proud of Sweden’s latest dramatic turnaround. “It feels great to put that one away, and turning matches around when nobody thinks there is anything left has become our thing. We never give up,” she said, surrounded by fans wanting selfies and autographs.

It may have been extra sweet to win the duel against Slovenia’s star player Sillah, her teammate at Italian top club Imoco Volley Conegliano. “It definitely gives you extra motivation, but I prefer playing with her rather than against her,” she said of the on-court battle.

For Swedish Volleyball, the match was a success in more ways than one. “It is great that a buzzing arena full of passionate fans got to experience what our fantastic sport can offer in terms of entertainment – and what a fantastic advertisement for our EuroVolley group stage in Gothenburg in August,” said Lorenzo Micelli, who began preparations on Wednesday evening for the next challenge – this weekend’s return match.

Because this European League final is far from over. Not by a long shot. Sweden will depart for Slovenia already on Thursday, where the team will prepare for the decisive match in the Slovenian capital Ljubljana at 8:30 PM on Saturday evening. Get ready for another thriller.