After the heavy 0:3 loss in Bucharest, Lokomotiv Avia Plovdiv failed to get revenge at home and conceded to Dinamo Bucharest with a 1:3 set score – 22:25, 25:21, 23:25, 22:25. The Bulgarian team showed moments of character and strong runs, but the Romanians once again demonstrated greater stability in decisive moments.
Match Progression
First Set – 22:25
Dinamo started more focused and quickly built a lead. Lokomotiv had problems in attack, made several out-of-bounds attacks, and was frequently blocked. Despite Todor Valchev's run in the middle of the set and Damyanov's good serves, the visitors remained calm. In the end, Dinamo's block made the difference, and the Romanians closed the set at 22:25.
Second Set – 25:21
This was Lokomotiv's strongest part. After an even start, the Plovdiv team made an impressive run of six consecutive points, aided by stable serving, good defensive digs, and effective blocking. An ace by Stankov and several successful counter-attacks provided the necessary momentum, and the set was confidently closed – 25:21.
Third Set – 23:25
After an even score until the middle, the tension increased. There was a yellow card for Lokomotiv's coaching staff, and the game became fragmented. In the decisive rallies, Dinamo was again more accurate in attack and capitalized on errors from the Plovdiv team. A block against Valchev at the end tipped the scales – 23:25.
Fourth Set – 22:25
Lokomotiv tried to get back into the match, but after 22:22, Dinamo showed class. An ace by Cardoso and another block at a crucial moment ended the intrigue. In the final rallies, players who hadn't had significant minutes until then also appeared on the court, but the lack of rhythm and motivation took its toll.
Individual Performances and Highlights
The most effective player for Lokomotiv Avia Plovdiv was captain Todor Valchev, who led the attack in almost all key moments. Kristiyan Aleksov also made a significant contribution, especially in the second set, as did Dimitar Dulchev, who came off the bench and brought energy. An interesting fact is that Dulchev last played in the Romanian championship.
For Dinamo Bucharest, the main attacking burden fell on Jonatas Cardoso and Peta, with Cardoso also distinguishing himself with strong serving in decisive moments. The visiting squad featured names well-known to the Bulgarian public – Jonatas Cardoso and Branimir Grozdanov, who have played in our championship. For Grozdanov, this match was his first official game in a Dinamo uniform, and on home soil, which added extra emotional charge.
Lokomotiv Avia Plovdiv exits the tournament with two losses against Dinamo Bucharest, and in both matches, the difference came from the Romanians' better organization in key moments. The Plovdiv team showed potential and strong periods, but the lack of consistency, especially in attack and serving, proved decisive.
Top Scorers in the Match
Lokomotiv Avia Plovdiv
Kristiyan Aleksov – 12 points
Todor Valchev – 13 points
Ivaylo Damyanov – 10 points
Dinamo Bucharest
Jonatas Cardoso "," 11 points
Mircea Paul Peta "," 12 points
Petar Premovic "," 10 points
photos: cev.eu
