Lokomotiv Avia recorded an impressive third success, this time as a guest of CSKA – 3:2 (25:18, 25:23, 22:25, 12:25, 15:9) – in the derby of the round in efbet SV 25/26. This is the first defeat for the "Armeitsy" at home, with the team from Plovdiv having 8 points and already breathing down the neck of the leader in the standings, Neftochimic, who has 9.
Sasho Popov's squad fell behind 0:2, showed character and forced the match into a tie-break, but the decisive set was entirely dictated by the guests. In the crucial part, class and motivation spoke for themselves, as Todor Valchev and co secured a 5-point lead early on and closed the set without pressure at 15-9, and with that, the match 3-2 sets.
🔥 Masterful match by setter Vladimir Stankov
Former "Armeets" (CSKA player) Vladimir Stankov perfectly orchestrated Lokomotiv's game – even distribution, quick decisions, and skillful utilization of all attackers. This is evident in the statistics of his main scorers. Stankov deservedly won the MVP award for the match.
Lokomotiv Avia Statistics
| Player | Points | Aces | Blocks | Attack (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Todor Valchev (capt., outside hitter) | 18 | 2 | 3 | 42% |
| Julien Georgiev (opposite hitter) | 20 | 3 | 1 | 53% |
| Ivaylo Damyanov (middle blocker) | 11 | 0 | 3 | 67% |
| Kristiyan Aleksov (outside hitter) | 11 | 1 | 1 | 52% |
Lokomotiv demonstrated excellent balance – players in three different positions surpassed the 10-point mark, and the high efficiency percentage for Damyanov, Georgiev, and Aleksov shows excellent block reading and stable attack decisions. Valchev was once again a pillar in both reception and key moments of the match.
| Player | Points | Aces | Blocks | Attack (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Reza Beik | 23 | 1 | 2 | 49% |
| Nikolay Penchev | 17 | 5 | 2 | 37% |
| Teodor Todorov | 12 | 0 | 6! | 50% |
| Aleksandar Manushev | 12 | 1 | 2 | 60% |
CSKA had a strong individual performance – Beik was the highest scorer in every phase, and Penchev impressed with a total of5 aces. Manushev provided a great impulse from the bench in the third game. However, the collective play in the tie-break fell apart, and the higher number of errors in defense and the more difficult reception skewed the balance towards the guests. Overall, errors were numerous, with Lokomotiv "gifting" 30 direct points and the hosts 34, with service errors having the largest share.
A dramatic match with many comebacks, in which Lokomotiv showed character and more mature play in crucial moments. CSKA remains among the leaders, but this defeat will open discussions for corrections in their game, especially at the start of sets and in the tie-break. Lokomotiv continues its upward trend and declares serious ambitions in the Demax League. In the upcoming 5th round, CSKA will play Slavia in "Panayot Pondalov" hall, while Lokomotiv will host Dunav (Ruse). The matches are on Friday (November 21) at 6:00 PM and Saturday (November 22) at 6:00 PM.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov
