Lokomotiv started the new year with a win, overcoming Kuzbass' resistance 3:1 (25:22, 25:18, 21:25, 25:14). The Siberian derby opened the second half of the season at the renovated "Lokomotiv Arena". The match of the 16th round came against a backdrop of serious contrast in the standings – Novosibirsk were just a step away from the top, while Kuzbass arrived in the penultimate position with only two victories. Andrei Zhekov, who had returned to Bulgaria for the holidays, was not present in the hosts' staff, and Lokomotiv also started without their captain Kurkaev, which made the first match of the year additionally intriguing.

First set – 25:22

The hosts took an early lead, but a lapse in Lokomotiv's ranks allowed Kuzbass to get back into the set. Moni Nikolov gradually got involved and scored his first points with a tip and a third-touch attack. In the end, Plamen Konstantinov had to react with two timeouts, and Kazachenkov closed the set with a back-row attack.

Second set – 25:18

The set started intermittently due to a prolonged video check, and the special attention to Moni Nikolov became increasingly evident in the hall – English posters and requests for his jersey. The Bulgarian setter led Lokomotiv forward with a series of tips, a short serve, and an ace, taking on increasing responsibility in offense. The hosts asserted control through serving and blocking and calmly closed the part, without allowing any new hesitation.

Third set – 21:25

Kuzbass increased their aggression in defense and for the first time in the match managed to impose their rhythm. Lokomotiv, again without Kurkaev, began to lose stability in attack, and a series of video checks and controversial situations further frustrated the hosts. Moni Nikolov continued to seek solutions with tips and active play, but the guests capitalized on their better performance at the end and reduced the set score. The Bulgarian setter finished the third part with a total of 10 points, including 1 ace and 2 blocks.

Fourth set – 25:14

After the warning in the third set, Lokomotiv went "full steam ahead" and quickly showed the difference in class. Moni Nikolov's serve disrupted Kuzbass' reception, and the hosts' blocking produced series after series. Without pressure and without a new lapse, Lokomotiv cruised through the final set and decisively closed the match, marking a strong start to 2026 in the "Lokomotiv Arena".
The top scorer for the winners was Kazachenkov, who finished with an impressive 29 points, while Kurbanov added another 11 for the victory. For the guests, Sidenkov scored 14 points.
Simeon Nikolov finished second in scoring for his team with 11 points, +7 efficiency, 2 aces, 2 blocks, and 88% attack efficiency, having erred only once out of eight attempts, a counter-attack at the end of the first set with the score 24:20 in favor of Lokomotiv.
The statistics show not just good scoring, but exceptional efficiency – Nikolov doesn't seek volume, but the right moment. What's important is that his points come from different elements and often in key phases of the sets, which confirms his role as a real factor, not just a setter. For the first match of 2026, this is a strong statement for a very strong second half of the season.