🏐 Lokomotiv takes the lead in the series against CSKA! 🚂🔥
Lokomotiv Plovdiv recorded their first victory in the semi-final series against CSKA, after prevailing 3:1 in a hard-fought clash! Play through the middle proved crucial, and the home team also made fewer unforced errors, which brought them success. The "railwaymen" surpassed their opponent, albeit minimally, in blocking and serving.
🔥 Game by game:
🔹 First game (25:22) – Lokomotiv started better and took a 16:14 lead after strong attacks by Todor Valchev. CSKA got closer to 19:17, but an ace from Dmytro Dolgopolov gave game point to the hosts, who closed out the set after a service error by Penchev.
🔹 Second game (19:25) – CSKA responded with solid blocking and powerful serving. Brzakovic and Velikov put the "reds" ahead, leveling the score.
🔹 Third game (25:23) – Drama and comebacks! Lokomotiv took a 16:13 lead after a series from Valchev, but CSKA came back to 22:22. In the decisive moments, Julien Georgiev shone and brought success to the hosts.
🔹 Fourth game (27:25) – A thrilling finish! CSKA led 17:15, but Lokomotiv equalized after blocks by the perfectly playing Kiril Kolev. In the end, Georgiev made key attacks and closed out the match!
🎯 Top scorers in the match:
🏐Strahinja Brzakovic (CSKA)–23 points (1 ace, 2 blocks) 🔥
🏐Julien Georgiev (Lokomotiv)–20 points (4 aces, 52% attack efficiency)
🏐Kiril Kolev (Lokomotiv)–19 points, 6(!) blocks–Phenomenal performance by the young center!💪
🏐Nikolay Penchev (CSKA)–14 points(1 ace, 42% positive reception)
🏐Hristiyan Velikov (CSKA)–11 points(2 aces, 2 blocks)
🏐Todor Kostov (CSKA)–10 points(3 blocks)
Locomotive took a 1-0 lead in the series! The next match is on Monday in "Hristo Botev" hall in Sofia. 🔥 🔥
photo: NVL
