Lokomotiv (Novosibirsk) maintained its leading position in the Russian championship after securing an away victory over Gorky (Nizhny Novgorod) with a score of 3:1 (25:20, 17:25, 25:17, 28:26) in a match from the 11th round. This was the tenth win for Plamen Konstantinov's team in eleven matches.
After the match, Lokomotiv's head coach Plamen Konstantinov gave an frank comment about the fluctuations in the team's performance.
"Because of our lack of seriousness at certain moments in the match, we kept bringing Nizhny Novgorod back into the game. After a good first set, we started the second without enthusiasm - and we got what we deserved. Then we stepped on the gas, but only until the 24th point in the fourth set. And there again we brought the opponent back into the game, failing to score a point three times in a row.
Of course, I am happy that we took the three points. It's always difficult to play here because the atmosphere is hot. I am not happy with our concentration. You have to maintain it until the end in every match, because otherwise you'll get what's coming to you. Before the fourth set, I told the players that only fools make two identical mistakes in a row. Everyone kept that in mind… until the 24th point," BO Sport quoted Gorky's official website citing Konstantinov's words.
Match Statistics
| Element | Gorky | Lokomotiv |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 88 | 95 |
| Attack (%) | 52% | 61% |
| Aces | 5 | 5 |
| Block | 7 | 14 |
| Reception (%) | 45% | 39% |
| Errors | 22 | 27 |
The statistics clearly confirm Lokomotiv's distinct superiority in two key elements – attack (61%) and block (14 versus 7). This double dominance at the net is the actual factor that decided the match in favor of Novosibirsk, despite the weaker reception (39%).
Lokomotiv's higher number of errors (27 versus 22) is also noticeable, which fully aligns with Plamen Konstantinov's criticism regarding concentration. Nevertheless, high offensive efficiency and block superiority compensate for the inaccuracies.
The equality in aces (5:5) shows that neither team managed to gain a significant advantage from serves, but Lokomotiv wins through a more structured attack and pressure at the net.
On December 10, Lokomotiv will host Fakel in Novosibirsk – a match that could prove crucial in the battle for first place before the New Year.
