Simeon Nikolov played a key role in Lokomotiv (Novosibirsk)'s 12th victory of the season. The Russian team won away against Yaroslavich with a score of 1:3 (15:25, 28:26, 17:25, 21:25) and thus finishes the calendar year 2025 in second place in the standings, before the remaining matches of the championship are played.

The Bulgarian setter finished the match with 10 points, +4.33% in attack, and 7 (seven!) blocks, which ranked him third in scoring for the "railroaders." Kazachenkov (25) was the top scorer for the winners, followed by Markin (13), and Nikolov complemented the guests' strong offensive performance.

For the home team Yaroslavich, the best performers were: Potorochin – 14 points, Nasri – 13 points, and Bobrov – 12 points.

The second set was the most dramatic, in which Lokomotiv first had the opportunity to close the set at 23:24. An extension followed, where the guests had another chance to take a 0:2 lead, but after a block against Lizik and an attack from the back row, the hosts managed to equalize the sets – 1:1 after 28:26.

In the third set, the "railroaders" reacted excellently. After stable serving and more effective attack, the guests pulled ahead in the middle of the set and made a decisive run during Lizik's serve, who also recorded an ace. After a service error, the set ended at 17:25, giving Lokomotiv a 1:2 lead.

The fourth set started evenly, but gradually the guests built a significant lead – 10:20. After a drop shot by Simeon Nikolov, the score became 11:21, but Yaroslavich did not give up. A series of five consecutive points, active blocking, and good defense brought back the intrigue. At 15:21, Nikolov again tried a surprise drop shot, the ball was saved in defense, and during the subsequent counter-attack, the Bulgarian failed to hit the court. The hosts narrowed the gap to 20:23, but Kazachenkov, who played an excellent match, brought the first match point for the guests. On the second attempt, Kazachenkov again ended the dispute, making the final score 1:3.

With this success, Lokomotiv (Novosibirsk) solidified its stable performance throughout the season, and Simeon Nikolov once again showed that he is not just a conductor of the game but also a crucial scorer in key moments.
It is entirely possible that Simeon (Mony) Nikolov will celebrate the New Year at home in Bulgaria, as Lokomotiv's next match is not until January 5th, when the team will visit Kuzbass (Kemerovo). A break in the schedule gives the setter a chance to return home for a short rest after the intensive first part of the season.