Ukraine beats Portugal to secure fourth consecutive win at EuroVolley 2026
Ukraine also entered the match with a strong record in its two most recent competitive meetings with Portugal. In the 2024 European Golden League, the "blue and yellows" dropped just one set, while at the 2023 European Championship, they defeated Portugal 3–0 in the round of 16.
Ukraine made an uneven start against Portugal, falling three points behind early in the opening set. However, the Ukrainian players seized the initiative, took the lead, and closed out the set 25–18.
Ukraine controlled the second set from the opening rallies. The team maintained its advantage over Portugal and won 25–18 again.
The third set proved decisive and began as an evenly matched contest. The teams remained level until 12–12, when Ukraine won three consecutive points. The "blues and yellows" gradually extended their lead and closed out the set 25–19.
Ukraine thus defeated Portugal 3–0 (25–18, 25–18, 25–19).
Outside hitter Oleh Plotnytskyi led Ukraine in scoring. He finished with 19 points.
After four rounds, Ukraine sits alone at the top of Group B with four wins and 12 points. The team has won 12 sets and lost two.
Group B standings:
Ukraine will play its final EuroVolley 2026 group-stage match against Poland on Tuesday, September 15. The match starts at 7 p.m. Kyiv time.
Portugal will face North Macedonia in the final round.
Ukraine opened its EuroVolley 2026 campaign with a victory over Israel. The Ukrainian men's team then secured its second win. In their second group-stage match, the "blue and yellows" defeated North Macedonia in straight sets, 3–0.
Background
On September 12, Ukraine's national volleyball team beat Bulgaria. The "blues and yellows" won the match in four sets.
Before facing Portugal, Ukraine had won all three of its matches at the tournament and collected nine points. The victory over Bulgaria had already secured the team a place in the EuroVolley 2026 knockout stage.
In June, Ukraine's men's volleyball team defeated Brazil for the first time in its history. The "blues and yellows" won in four sets in their opening match of the second week.
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