Former Bulgaria national team coach Plamen Konstantinov led his Lokomotiv Novosibirsk to a crucial 3-0 (25:20, 29:27, 25:22) victory against Belogorie Belgorod in their second group stage match of the Final Six in the Russian Cup tournament. Thus, the 'railroaders' won their group and qualified directly for the semifinals! 🙌

After the loss to Zenit Kazan in the first match, the task for Konstantinov's team was clear - a clean victory. And 'Loko' responded accordingly - stable serving, precise attacks, and character in key moments.
✨"Lokomotiv" made 15 unforced errors (against five for the opponent), but won the second set. Plamen Konstantinov's team was trailing 20:21, but equalized after a block by Kurkaev, and then took the lead after an error by Belgorod's opposite Hachadi (23:22). The opponents battled closely, with two consecutive successful attacks by Kurbanov securing the victory for 'Loko' – 29:27.

In the third set, Novosibirsk caught up from a 7:10 deficit thanks to their successful blocking, and after an attack error by Andrey Marchenko and an ace by Kurkaev, they took a 14:12 lead. Successful counterattacks by Shahbanmirzaev and Kurbanov allowed 'Loko' to extend their lead – 18:14. Dmitry Lyzik with a block ended the match, sending Konstantinov's team directly to the semifinals. Opposite Rajab was named MVP with 19 points, while outside hitter Omar Kurbanov added another 17 for the victory.

🔜Lokomotiv's next match is a semifinal on May 10th.