Lokomotiv Novosibirsk and Zenit (Kazan) have qualified for the final of the Russian Men's Volleyball Super Cup, after overcoming their semi-final opponents in the "Final Four" held in St. Petersburg. The match for the trophy is scheduled for December 26 (Friday) at 6:30 PM Bulgarian time.
In the first semi-final, Lokomotiv showed greater stability in crucial moments and outplayed Dynamo with
3:1 (21:25, 25:20, 25:13, 30:28).
Kazachenkov was the top scorer with 28 points, Kurbanov added 15, and Nikolov – 9. For Dynamo, Sapozhkov was the most effective player with 26 points, but it wasn't enough for a comeback.
In the second semi-final, spectators witnessed a classic Russian clash. Zenit (Kazan) snatched victory against the host Zenit (St. Petersburg) with
3:2 (25:20, 25:17, 18:25, 23:25, 15:12).
Volkov led the Kazan team with 27 points, Mikhailov finished with 17, and Labinsky – with 13. For the St. Petersburg team, Babkevich scored 17 points, Yant – 15, and Dineikin – 11, but the decisive tie-break went in favor of the more experienced squad from Kazan.
The Final
December 26, Friday
6:30 PM (Bulgarian time)
Lokomotiv – Zenit (Kazan)
The final pits the winner of the 2025 Russian Cup, Lokomotiv, against the most decorated team in Super Cup history – Zenit (Kazan), who will be looking for another trophy in their cabinet.
New format and history
For the first time, the Russian Super Cup is being played in a "Final Four" format. The change aims for more matches between the leading teams and higher competitive intensity. Until now, the trophy was decided in a single match between the champion and the Russian Cup winner or within the regular season.
The most successful club in the history of the tournament is Zenit (Kazan) with titles from 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2023, and 2024. Dynamo has four trophies (2008, 2009, 2021, 2022), Belogorie – two (2013, 2014), and Kuzbass – one (2019).
The final between Lokomotiv and Zenit (Kazan) will answer whether tradition will continue or if there will be a new Super Cup winner in the tournament's revamped format.
