A volleyball drama, such as even experienced fans rarely see, unfolded in Novosibirsk, where a match from the second round of the Russian Super League was played.
Plamen Konstantinov's Lokomotiv defeated Dynamo Ural Ufa 3:1 (38:40, 25:17, 25:15, 25:17) in a match that will be remembered for a long time
– primarily due to the record-long first set, as well as Simeon Nikolov's brilliant performance.
A record-breaking first set – 38:40 and a true volleyball saga.
From the very beginning, the two teams battled point for point
– the series of ties, video challenges, and tension reached historic proportions. The set will also be remembered for the situation during one of the many video replays when the head referee descended from his chair to personally check the disputed call.
Moni Nikolov started with a whirlwind of two consecutive aces (7:4), added a block, and maintained composure in critical moments. After a 15-minute break due to disputes and a yellow and red card for Ural's staff, the visitors prevailed with40:38after a block against Nikolov and an error by Lizik.
Set-by-set breakdown
| Set | Score | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 38:40 | Marathon of video challenges; Moni with 7 points, including 3 aces and 3 blocks; dramatic end with penalties and emotions. |
| 2 | 25:17 | Service control, stable defense, and excellent Deru. | Мони Николов добави още 2 точки от сервис и блок
| 3 | 25:15 | Another 3 points for Nikolov, including 2 aces and 1 block, and complete dominance in attack. |
| 4 | 25:17 | Routine match closing, Kurbanov with the last point. |
After the exhausting first set, Ural collapsed psychologically. An attack down the line out of bounds brought the first match point for the hosts. Dynamo Ural saved one, but on the next rotation, Kurbanov closed the match with a beautiful pipe.
Lokomotiv demonstrated maturity and excellent organization, in which Moni Nikolov was the engine of all tactical decisions
– from fast combinations through the middle to precise service pressure.
Individual statistics
Moni Nikolov played a unique match, finishing with13 points, of which 6 aces,5 blocks and 2 attacks (+5). The setter also received the highest rating for the match - 7.
Sam Deroo was the most effective for Lokomotiv with 16 points, followed by Lisyuk with 15 and Kurbanov with 14.
For the guests from Ufa, Kirill Ursov scored the most – 14 points, Sergey Pirainen – 13, and the Dutchman Dick Kooy – 11.
Service superiority for the hosts, who finished with 12 aces, half of which by Nikolov, against only 3 for the guests from Ufa. Block advantage also for Lokomotiv, who stopped 18 attacks of the guests, against 11 for Dynamo. The only advantage for the guests were points from opponent errors, where they received 6 points more than Lokomotiv (35:29).
Lokomotiv had four players with double-digit scores – proof of an evenly distributed attack and effective work by Nikolov as a setter.
His 6 aces and 5 blocks are a phenomenal result for a player in this position – a rarity even in the Russian league.
On the other hand, Ural held on thanks to Ursov's experience and Pirainen's versatility, but couldn't physically and mentally withstand the pace.
Plamen Konstantinov after the match:
"I think it was a good match to open the season. The first set was very tough – both teams wanted to start with a win in the first set. I believe Ufa fully deserved to win it – thanks to their better reception and serve. We didn't find our rhythm in the first set. But the most important thing is that afterwards, we managed to 'feel the ball', stabilized our reception and serve. From there, the block also started working. I believe we put Ufa under such pressure that they could no longer maintain the rhythm they had in the first set."
"How did our new players adapt? This was their first home match. How do I evaluate them? I don't give individual marks. The team got out of a difficult situation as a team. Individual evaluations are your job – for journalists, for fans, for those who like it. I liked that the team remained united, persevered, waited for their moment in the first match. And managed to overcome the pressure coming from Ufa. We calmly waited and turned the game around. I liked that – as a team."
The match between Lokomotiv and Dynamo Ural Ufa will be remembered as one of the classics of the season – not only because of the result, but also because of the drama, emotions, and the exceptional role of Moni Nikolov.
The Bulgarian showed that he is not just a setter, but also a leader, capable of changing the course of the match with a single powerful serve or a block at the right moment.
photos: lokovolley.com
