Lokomotiv Avia (Plovdiv) started its participation in the Challenge Cup with a heavy loss in the away game against the Montenegrin champion Budva. The Bulgarian team, led by Nayden Naydenov, lost 0:3 (16:25, 16:25, 14:25) in just 64 minutes of play.
The hosts, whose squad includes the Olympic champion with Russia from London 2012, Alexander Butko, had a categorical superiority in all three sets.
Already in the first part, Budva led 8:5 and 16:11, after which they increased their lead to 21:13 and closed the set at 25:16. The second set developed almost identically, in which the Montenegrins again had a lead of 16:11 at the second technical timeout and won with the same score.
In the third set, the hosts were even more convincing. They led 8:3, increased the difference to 16:5, and finished the match at 25:14.
Seven aces for Cacic, three blocks for Butko
The most effective player for the winners was Vojin Cacic with 17 points, including an impressive 7 aces. The Montenegrin volleyball player also scored 10 points from attack.
Spanish opposite Augusto Colito added 15 points, finishing with 14 successful attacks from 20 attempts (70% efficiency).
Alexander Butko also left his mark on the match. The 40-year-old Russian setter recorded 5 points, including 3 from blocks. Gojko Cuk finished with 9 points, and Vuk Stanojevic added 8.
For Lokomotiv Avia, the most effective player was Julien Georgiev with 16 points, including 13 from attack, 2 blocks, and 1 ace. Martin Mechkarov added 6 points, and Kiril Kolev finished with 5.
Huge difference in serving and attacking
The official statistics of the European Volleyball Confederation show Budva's serious superiority.
The hosts scored 10 aces against only 1 for the Plovdiv team. In blocking, the Montenegrin champion won 7:4, and in attack, the difference was also significant - 38 successful attacks with 59% efficiency against 28 with 42% for Lokomotiv Avia.
Especially indicative is the number of points won on own serve after a rally or