Alex Nikolov once again in the spotlight during Lube Civitanova's emphatic victory over Trentino!🔥

Bulgarian international Alex Nikolov and his teammates from Cucine Lube Civitanova responded appropriately in Match 2 of the Italian SuperLega Finals, leaving no chances for Itas Trentino – 3:0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-22) in the "Eurosuole" arena, filled to the brim with fans and energy. 💥

After the defeat in the first match, the "cooks" rebelled in front of their fans and demonstrated impressive concentration and teamwork.

The match was dominated by the hosts, who controlled the tempo and did not allow Trentino's stars to unleash their full potential. The decisive third set was the most contested, but Lube's aggressive approach and impeccable defensive organization tipped the scales.
Bulgarian international Alex Nikolov played a strong match with 12 points, 55% attack efficiency, and 54% positive reception,demonstrating maturity and class in crucial moments.

Our international player was second in scoring, with Mattia Bottolo at the top with 16 points (6 aces, 1 block) - an undisputed MVP. For Trento, the most effective scorer was former Lube player Gabi Garcia - 12 points, Alessandro Michieletto had an off day and added 11, and Daniele Lavia - 10.
Before the match, Adis Lagumdzija received his MVP award for the semifinal series. This is the diagonal hitter's second such award, as he was also MVP in the quarterfinals.

Lube's victory was watched by their former teammate Ivan Zaytsev, whose season in Turkey ended a few days ago.

📍1st set:
Bottolo's serves set the tone early – a 3-point lead (0-3), but Trentino responded with blocks from Flavio and Gabi Garcia (5-5). At the crucial moment, Bottolo intervened again with a block and two aces (10-13), and Civitanova finished convincingly with pressure at the end –21-25.

📍2nd set:
Trentino started better (9-7), but Lube quickly equalized and took control at 15-16 after an error by Gabi Garcia. Strong moments from Gargiulo and Bottolo secured a lead (18-22), and the set ended again in favor of the visitors after a misunderstanding between Sbertoli and his attackers –21-25.

📍3rd set:
The game was even until 8-11, when Nikolov joined in with a crucial counter and a service run (14-17). Gabi Garcia brought the intrigue back (20-22), but Botolo was merciless and closed the set at22-25.

🏐 With this success, Lube guaranteed themselves another home game –Match 4of the final series, and Nikolov continues to be among the most stable performers for Giampaolo Medei's team.

🏆 Thus, the series is tied at 1-1 and promises even more intense battles. The next clash will be in Trento, where the public will seek revenge, and Alex Nikolov and co. will aim to turn the final series in their favor.

Cucine Lube Civitanova 3 -0 Itas Trentino (25-21, 25-21, 25-22)

Cucine Lube Civitanova: Botolo 16, Chinenyeze 6, Lagumdzija 5, Nikolov 12, Gargiulo 7, Bonifante 4, Leal 1, Bisotto 0, Balaso (L), Hossein Khanzade 0, D'Hulst 0. Unused: Tenorio, Orduna, Podrascanin. Coach: Medei.

Itas Trentino: Lavia 10, Kozamernik 4, Sbertoli 3, Michieletto 11, Resende Gualberto 2, Garcia Fernandez 12, Rychlicki 0, Laurenzano (L), Bata 1, Acquarone 1. Unused: Bristot, Pesaresi, Pellacani, Magalini. Coach: Soli.

photos: legavolley.it