Saint-Nazaire qualified for the 1/4 finals of the French Cup after a dramatic, but completely deserved 3:0 game victory3:0 gamesover Montpellier in a direct elimination match. In a hall charged with energy and anticipation, the hosts showed character, stability in key rallies, and a wider attacking arsenal.
Bulgarian receiver Vladimir Garkov finished the match with 14 points, +8, 2 aces and 1 block, registering 50% positive and 27% perfect reception, and 61% in attack. He was chosen as MVP of the match.
📊 Game results
| Game | Saint-Nazaire | Montpellier | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 | 21 | 27' |
| 2 | 25 | 21 | 23' |
| 3 | 32 | 30 | 40' |
The first two games were under Saint-Nazaire's control, but the third turned into a real thriller, in which the hosts showed stronger nerves.
📌 Individual statistics – Saint-Nazaire
| Name | Points | Ace | Attacks | Block |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jenness | 13 | – | 11 | 2 |
| Burel | 4 | 3 | 1 | – |
| Arjones | 2 | – | – | 2 |
| John | 20 | – | 20 | – |
| Garkov | 14 | 2 | 11 | 1 |
| Nack-Minyem | 5 | – | 3 | 2 |
Saint-Nazaire demonstrated an excellently distributed attack - three players with double-digit points. Garkov and John formed the backbone of the offense, and the Bulgarian's two aces tipped the balance at crucial moments. German international Philipp John finished with 20 points, 69% in attack (20/29) and 62% efficiency.
Despite the loss, Matias was Montpellier's strong figure with 16 points. Palacios and Lopez also supported the team, but the visitors, who have been finalists in the last two seasons, failed to close out key rallies - especially in the long third set.
One match, one chance - and Saint-Nazaire showed greater maturity and concentration in the direct elimination duel. The victory over the experienced Montpellier squad is a strong signal of the team's ambitions in the tournament.
Vladimir Garkov confirmed his excellent form and showed why he has become a key figure for the French club.
