When the Bulgarian team stepped on court to perform their battle cry this afternoon in Aire-sur-la-Lys, they knew it would be a tough task to take on the Germans in their first match in Group B at the European Mixed Team Championships. 

With Bulgaria, according to the world rankings, only being the favourites in women's doubles, it was clear that they would need some upsets to end up on the winning side.

After Germany's Kai Schaefer won the men's singles 21-11, 21-10 against Dimitar Yanakiev it was time for Kaloyana Nalbantova to step on court in her first ever European Mixed Team Championships. 

"I was a bit nervous because she is a really good player and I expected of me just to have fun and play good rallies", admitted Nalbantova afterwards. 

But not worrying too much payed off for the 16-year-old from Bulgaria. Against Yvonne Li, multiple German national champion and around 150 spots ahead of Nalbantova in the world ranking, she showed off her talent on the big stage. 

"I was not sure about this match but my coaches just put me on court to gain more experience", said a smiling Nalbantova after winning in straight games 21-15, 21-18.

And even when Germany continued to win the tie 3-2 in the end, it was at least a successful first appearance for the talented single player at the 2023 European Mixed Team Championships.

Find all results from Germany - Bulgaria here.