Lokomotiv Novosibirsk continues to dominate in the Russian Super League and recordedits seventh consecutive victorysince the start of the season. Plamen Konstantinov's team decisively defeated Nova Novokuybyshevsk with3:0 (25:19, 25:20, 25:15)and remains top of the standings before the big derby against Zenit Kazan on November 22.
Simeon (Moni) Nikolov's Performance
The Bulgarian setter started as a starter and was once again central to organizing the hosts' play. In the first set, Moni did not score, but in the second part, he showed a much more aggressive and varied game.
| Set | Points | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First | 0 | No successful attacks |
| Second | 4 | 4 points from 8 attacks |
Moni Nikolov finished the match with 4 points. The eight attacks he received are a sign of more active involvement and trust from his teammates, and the four points scored highlight his offensive stability. The national player also finished with the highest match rating of 6.7.
Substitution in the third set and Nikolaev's participation
In the third set, the hosts were already leading convincingly 16:7, which allowed Plamen Konstantinov to rest Moni Nikolov. Nikolaev, only a few months younger than the Bulgarian setter, entered in his place, scoring a point with a drop shot and bringing freshness towards the end of the match.
Lokomotiv used a wider range of players in the final rallies. Feoktistov brought the first match point, and the subsequent block sealed the decisive straight-sets victory.
Sav Deru was the top scorer for the winners with 12 points, Feoktistov added 11, and Radjab contributed 10 to the win. However, the most prolific player in the match was Nikolay Zubov from Nova with 19 points, while Serbian national player Pavle Peric finished with a modest 5. The hosts dominated convincingly both in blocks – 7 against 1, and in serves with 3 against 0 aces.
Upcoming Challenges
Later today, the match between Belogorie and Zenit Kazan will be played, which will determine the final standings after the seventh round. It is against Zenit – the reigning champion – that Lokomotiv will face on November 22, after which the team has another tough away game – against Dynamo Moscow on November 27.
The match against Zenit is expected to be the first major test for the championship leader's form, and Moni Nikolov's role will be crucial for the rhythm and organization of the game.
