While in Bulgaria December 25th is a day for family, quiet, and a festive meal, in Russia the volleyball season is not just continuing – it's entering one of its most intense phases. In Saint Petersburg, at the modern "KSK Arena", the first semi-final of the new format of the Russian Supercup will be played today – a clash between "Dynamo" (Moscow) and "Lokomotiv" (Novosibirsk), in which the Bulgarian setter Simeon Nikolov will also play a role.
New format, old rivalry
From 2025, the Russian Supercup is no longer a single match, but a "Final Four" tournament. A decision made by the presidium of the VFV with a clear idea – more direct clashes between top teams and more high-level volleyball. This year's tournament is dedicated to the legendary coach Vyacheslav Platonov and is logically held in his hometown, Saint Petersburg.
For "Lokomotiv", this is a continuation of a tough series of away games at the end of the year. After their last match against "Zenit" (Saint Petersburg), played on December 21st, the Novosibirsk team remained in the city and fully focused on the Supercup. "Dynamo", on the other hand, comes with the confidence of a team that knows how to win trophies and already has a psychological advantage from the last direct clash.
Just a month ago, on November 25th, the two teams met in the ninth round of the Superleague. In Moscow, "Dynamo" won 3:1 (26:28, 25:21, 25:19, 25:21). "Lokomotiv" started confidently and took the first set, but then the Muscovites set the rhythm with strong serves and a stable block.
Then, for the Novosibirsk team, the most productive opposite was Rajab with 12 points, but the real attacking weight was on "Dynamo"'s side. Maxim Sapozhkov, one of the most dominant opposites in the championship, who also played in the Bulgarian championship, continues to accumulate impressive statistics and after 14 matches is third among scorers with 262 points – an indicator that clearly outlines the main threat to any opponent.
"Dynamo" – strength with reserves
In their last match before the semi-final, "Dynamo" gave "Belogorie" no chance and won 3:0 (25:19, 25:21, 25:16). Despite the convincing result, captain Pavel Pankov was extremely frank after the match:
"There were moments of failure, especially in the second set. With a perfect reception, we failed to finish 3-4 balls. These are details we need to work on, because the Supercup is unforgiving."
These very words suggest that behind the Muscovites' stable appearance, there are details that "Lokomotiv" can exploit – especially if they manage to take the opponent out of their comfort zone on the first reception.
"Lokomotiv" and Simeon Nikolov's role
For "Lokomotiv", this semi-final is not just a chance for a final, but to solidify their status as winners of the Russian Cup 2025. The squad shows a balance between attacking power and variability in setting, and this is where Simeon Nikolov's role is crucial. The Bulgarian setter is gradually establishing himself as an important figure in the rotation, bringing speed and variety to the game – especially in moments when the team needs to break through a well-organized block.
Against a block like "Dynamo"'s, led by Vlasov and Zhuk, quick thinking and the precise choice of attack can prove decisive. It is here that Nikolov's experience and composure can make a difference.
History speaks, but does not decide
The head-to-head statistics clearly favor "Dynamo" – 32 wins against 16 for "Lokomotiv" in a total of 48 matches. In recent seasons, however, the Novosibirsk team has increasingly found answers, and even in their losses, they leave a feeling of parity. This makes the semi-final not a repetition of the past, but an open question.
| Date | Time (Bulgarian time) | Match | TV / Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 25 (Thursday) | 15:00 | Lokomotiv (Novosibirsk) – Dinamo (Moscow) | Match TV, Volleyball, Sportbox, volley.ru |
| December 25 (Thursday) | 18:00 | Zenit St. Petersburg – Zenit-Kazan | Match TV, Volleyball, Sportbox, volley.ru |
| December 26 (Friday) | 18:30 | Final | Match TV, Volleyball, Sportbox, volley.ru |
The times are extremely convenient for the Bulgarian audience – the semifinal of Simeon Nikolov and Lokomotiv starts at 3:00 PM, allowing the match to be watched comfortably on a holiday afternoon. The second semifinal and the final also fall within 'prime time' for Bulgaria, without late hours, which increases interest and potential audience for the Russian Super Cup.
The prize fund of 10 million rubles and the fact that part of the funds will be directed towards children's sports add additional value to the tournament. But beyond the money, this year's Super Cup is a matter of prestige – the first trophy in the new format and a sign of who will dictate the tone in the second half of the season.
Volleyball in Russia doesn't celebrate – it's boiling.
photos:lokovolley.com
