Sweden Triumphs in Opening Match of 2025 European Golden League Women’s Volleyball

Sweden's women's volleyball team secures a 3-1 victory over Portugal in the 2025 European Golden League opener, showcasing resilience and star performances.

Key Points

  • • Sweden won the opening match against Portugal 3-1 in the European Golden League.
  • • Isabelle Haak scored 34 points, while Anna Haak was named MVP.
  • • The team overcame a set deficit and significant challenges during the match.
  • • The victory is crucial as Sweden is the defending champion of the tournament.

In an exhilarating encounter, Sweden's women's volleyball team claimed victory against Portugal with a score of 3-1 in the opening match of the 2025 European Golden League held on May 29. Despite a rocky start that saw them drop the first set 23-25 and face a significant deficit in the third, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill to secure their win.

Isabelle Haak stood out in the match, contributing an impressive 34 points, an achievement that underscores her status as one of the top players in the sport. Her sister, Anna Haak, who recently took on the role of team captain, was named the match's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for her pivotal performance.

The match featured a dramatic turn of events, with Sweden initially trailing 22-17 in the third set before launching a successful comeback to win it 26-24. Ultimately, the final set saw Sweden taking control, winning 25-19 and sealing their victory. This win is particularly significant as Sweden enters the tournament as the reigning champions, adding to the expectations placed on the team.

Coach of the Swedish team lauded the players' determination, noting that the initial setbacks only galvanized their efforts. Anna Haak expressed overwhelming joy following the match, emphasizing the importance of this victory in their title defense campaign. "We remained focused despite the hurdles, and our teamwork was crucial to turning the game around," she remarked.

With their strong start, Sweden now looks forward to their next match against Romania, aiming to build on this momentum as they fight to retain their championship title in the prestigious tournament.