The vice-championLokomotiv Avia (Plovdiv)qualified for the final of the tournamentefbet Supercup of Bulgaria 2025in men's volleyball, after defeatingNeftochimic 2010 (Burgas)3:0 (25:22, 25:19, 25:18) in the first semifinal.
The match offered a lot of emotions and exceptional performances by Matey Kaziyski, who, exactly 20 years after his last match in a Bulgarian club, once again played a leading role on the domestic stage.
🏐 First set: Kaziyski set the tone
Two consecutive aces by the captainTodor Valchevgave an 11:7 lead, after which Neftochimic's coachFrancesco Cadedducalled a timeout.Matey Kaziyskiattacked confidently and added a point for 13:8, and later stopped an opponent's attack with a block – 14:10.
The Burgas players closed the gap after an ace byAdi Osmanovic, butDmytro Dolgopolovended the set with a decisive block – 25:22.
🏐 Second set: experience and discipline
After a brief hesitation at the start, Lokomotiv stabilized their reception and played confidently. An ace byMatey Kaziyskimade the score 15:12, andJulien Georgievwas unstoppable in attack down the line. An error byMartin Krastevbrought an end to the set – 25:19.
🏐 Third set: the captain finished off the opponent
The start was even, but at 10:8 Lokomotiv imposed their tempo. Serves byJulien Georgievand a solid block byDamianoandValchevshook the reception of the Burgas team. At 24:18, the captainTodor Valchevfinished the match with a powerful attack from zone 4 – 25:18 and 3:0 in sets.
📊 Individual statistics
| Player | Team | Points | Aces | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julien Georgiev | Lokomotiv Avia | 16 | 2 | 3 |
| Todor Valchev | Lokomotiv Avia | 14 | 2 | 1 |
| Matey Kaziyski | Lokomotiv Avia | 13 | 2 | 1 |
All three leading attackers for Lokomotiv showed exceptional efficiency. Julien Georgiev was the undisputed leader with 16 points, while Kaziyski brought composure and class in crucial moments. Valchev, besides being captain, also contributed with decisive serves and blocks. The balance between experience and power was the key to their convincing success.
Comment:
The Plovdiv team completely dominated in attack and block, which allowed them to control the course of the match. Discipline in defense also played an important role
– timely ball saves enabled effective counter-attacks.
🔜 The final tomorrow
Lokomotiv Avia will compete for the trophy against Levski Sofia. The match promises a high level – a clash between Naiden Naydenov's experienced squad and Nikolay Zhelyazkov's young, ambitious team.
