Lokomotiv (Novosibirsk), led by former national coach Plamen Konstantinov, has an excellent opportunity to top the Russian Super League standings after the defeat of the previous leader Zenit (Kazan). The team from Novosibirsk has one less match and with a clear victory on Tuesday, they will take sole possession of first place.
The change at the top occurred after the sixth-round derby, in which champion Dynamo (Moscow) defeated Zenit (Kazan) with a score of 3:1 (25:22, 25:18, 25:27, 25:23). The Muscovites topped the standings with 14 points from six matches, followed by Zenit (Saint Petersburg) and Zenit (Kazan) with 13 points each.
Lokomotiv occupies fourth place with 12 points, but has played only five matches. On November 10 at 2:00 PM Bulgarian time, Konstantinov's proteges will host Nova (Novokuibyshevsk), which is in eighth position with 7 points.
A 3:0 or 3:1 victory will put the Novosibirsk team at the top with 15 points.In case of a 3:2 success, they will be tied with Moscow's Dynamo in points, but will remain behind the champions due to a less favorable ratio of won and lost sets.
The team of the Bulgarian specialist is on a streak of three consecutive victories. After the 0:3 defeat against Gazprom-Yugra in the second round, Lokomotiv successively dealt with Zenit (Saint Petersburg) with 3:1, Orenburzhye with 3:1, and Dynamo-LO with 3:0 (25:19, 25:21, 25:23).
The last success was achieved on November 5 in front of their home crowd, with Argentine setter Luciano De Cecco making his first appearance for Lokomotiv in a home championship match.
The upcoming schedule also provides interesting opportunities for Konstantinov's team. After the match with Nova, the Novosibirsk team will host Yenisei on November 15, and three days later, a direct clash with Moscow's Dynamo is scheduled.
Thus, in the next ten days, Lokomotiv will have the opportunity not only to lead the temporary standings but also to solidify its positions in a direct match against the current champion.
For Plamen Konstantinov and his volleyball players, the upcoming home match against Nova is the first step towards the top in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
photo:lokovolley.com
