Slovenia W defeated Latvia W 3-2 in Pool A of the CEV Trendyol EuroVolley 2026 Women on 26 August in Istanbul, securing their second win of the group phase.
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Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow it unfolded
Slovenia entered the match off a mixed run — a statement 3-0 sweep of Germany on 22 August followed by a 3-1 defeat to tournament hosts Türkiye on 23 August in which they pushed the defending champions hard, taking the second set 25-22. Latvia, meanwhile, arrived having lost all three previous Pool A matches: 3-0 to Türkiye (21 August), 3-1 to Germany (23 August), and 3-1 to Poland (24 August). Despite those defeats, Latvia had shown resilience, taking a set from both Germany and Poland.
Set-by-set scores were not published by official sources at the time of writing. The CEV competition page listed the fixture as WFA-10 on Day 6 of the group phase, played at Istanbul's Sinan Erdem Sports Hall.
The turning point
The decisive factor was Slovenia's composure in the fifth set. Latvia had pushed Poland to four sets on 24 August — Marta Kamēlija Levinska scored 30 points in that match — and taken a set from Germany the previous day, demonstrating they could trouble higher-ranked opposition. Slovenia needed to absorb that attacking threat and maintain discipline in the tightest moments. In a 3-2 contest, the final set becomes a test of nerve as much as skill, and Slovenia emerged on the right side of it.
Key performers
Individual player statistics from this specific match were not published at the time of writing. Across the broader tournament, however, Latvia's primary offensive weapon has been Marta Kamēlija Levinska, who registered 30 points in the 3-1 loss to Poland on 24 August. For Slovenia, the squad depth on display in their 3-0 sweep of Germany on 22 August and their competitive showing against Türkiye the following day points to a balanced attacking unit operating under head coach Alessandro Orefice.
By the numbers
Slovenia's form window entering this match (last 3, since 22 August) read W-L-W — a top-quality sweep of Germany sandwiching a creditable loss to the hosts. Latvia's form window (last 4, since 21 August) read L-L-L-W, with their only recent win coming in the European League against Greece on 20 June, a gap that highlights the step up in class at this tournament. The head-to-head record, per betmana.co.uk data, showed Slovenia with three wins from three previous meetings dating back to 2021, with a combined 10 sets played across those fixtures.
What it means
The win lifts Slovenia to 2-1 in Pool A, keeping them in touch with group leaders Türkiye and Poland. Latvia fall to 0-3 and face a steep challenge to reach the knockout rounds. Slovenia's next fixture is against Hungary on 28 August at 16:00 local time in Istanbul. Latvia face Hungary on 27 August before the group phase concludes. Germany meet Poland on 27 August in another pivotal Pool A clash.
Verdict
A gritty, hard-earned victory that flattered Slovenia's status as the stronger side but also acknowledged Latvia's competitiveness. Latvia have now taken at least one set in each of their three tournament matches and are pushing opponents harder than their 0-3 record suggests. For Slovenia, closing out a five-set match is a valuable experience as the knockout phase approaches.
Rivalry since 2021
Slovenia W vs Latvia W Head to Head Results· 3
Slovenia W and Latvia W have met 3 times — Slovenia W won 3, Latvia W won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2021. Slovenia W leads the head-to-head with 3 victories from 3 meetings. A combined 10 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.33 per match (9 for the home side, 1 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 match (33%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 3 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Slovenia W are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–3 in 2021.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 29 Aug 2026