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 3:1 (38:40, 25:17, 25:15, 25:17) in a match that will be remembered for a long time – primarily because of the record-long first set, as well as the brilliant performance of Simeon Nikolov.
A record-breaking first set – 38:40 and a true volleyball saga.
From the very beginning, both teams went 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 came down 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 kept his composure in critical moments. After a 15-minute break due to disputes and a yellow and red card for Ural's staff, the guests prevailed with40:38 after a block against Nikolov and a mistake by Lizik.
Set development
| 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, solid defense, and an excellent Deroux | 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 closure, 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 quick combinations through the middle to precise service pressure.
Individual statistics
Moni Nikolov had a unique match, finishing with13 points, of which6 aces,5 blocksand2 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 Lyzik with 15 and Kurbanov with 14.
For the guests from Dynamo Ural, 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 Ural. An advantage in blocks for Lokomotiv, who stopped 18 attacks by 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 points
– proof of a well-distributed attack and effective work by Nikolov as a setter.
His6 aces and 5 blocksare a phenomenal result for a player in this position
– a rarity even in the Russian league.
On the other side, Ural held on thanks to Ursov's experience and Pirainen's versatility, but couldn't physically and mentally withstand the pace.
The match between Lokomotiv and Dynamo Ural will be remembered as one of the classics of the season
– not only for the result, but also for 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 serve or a block at the right moment.
photos: lokovolley.com
