Lokomotiv (Novosibirsk) recorded a difficult but valuable away victory against Dinamo-Ural with a 3:1 set score in a match from the 17th round of the Russian Superleague. The encounter featured clearly defined periods of dominance for both teams, and the intrigue was maintained until the very end.
The visitors started the match convincingly. Kurkaev, this time in the starting six, opened the game with an ace and set the tone for a strong first set, in which Lokomotiv asserted control through a stable block and better attack organization. The lead quickly grew, and the set was closed without serious hesitation.
The second set was far more contested. Dinamo-Ural improved their play and led several times, but Lokomotiv remained calm in the key rallies. At the very end, Kazachenkov took responsibility and secured the second set for the visitors, who took a 2:0 lead.
The third set started poorly for Lokomotiv Kurkaev made a service error and Dinamo-Ural took a 1:0 lead. The game was even in the initial rallies, with the score going point for point until 6:6. After that, however, serious problems began for the visitors.
Ural's block became increasingly effective, stopping Kurkaev's attacks several times. After an attack out and another block against the captain, the score became 7:10, which forced the Lokomotiv staff to substitute Moni Nikolov and bring in Ozhiganov. However, the substitution did not lead to stabilization.
The weakest period for Lokomotiv in the match followed a series of direct service points, including two aces, net errors, and a lack of synchronization in attack. Dinamo-Ural built a comfortable lead to 7:14, and after further organizational hesitations, the difference reached 8:16.
Gradually, the hosts maintained their lead 10:16, 12:18, and 13:19, with Lokomotiv seeming far from returning to the set. It was at this moment, however, that the change began.
The visitors stabilized their serve and defense, defensive saves appeared, and Kazachenkov took on an increasing burden in attack. After a series of good rallies and better blocking, the lead began to shrink 15:19, 16:20, and 17:20.
Lokomotiv came even closer after a block by Lizik and new successful attacks 18:21 and 19:22. The pressure shifted to Dinamo-Ural, who began to make service errors. After another successful rally and a counter-attack by Kazachenkov, the score became 21:23, and the tension in the hall noticeably increased.
At 22:23, Lokomotiv won another break point, despite playing without a setter, and almost completely equalized the course of the set. After Moni Nikolov's return to play, the visitors reached23:24, and with good defense and a back-row attack, they were one step away from extending the set. In the decisive rally, however, Dinamo-Ural managed to close the set with a block-out and end the part at25:23, saving themselves from equalization and a tie-break in the set.
The fourth set was evenly matched, but in the decisive moments, Lokomotiv showed greater resilience and managed to close the match without allowing a fifth set.
Individual performance
Simeon Nikolovfinished with5 points,+2in efficiency,1 blockand an impressive80% attack efficiency, and despite his more limited participation, he made key interventions.
Kazachenkovwas the top scorer in the match -24 points,+16,2 blocksand52% in attack, and it was he who bore the main burden in the decisive rallies.
Markinadded10 points,+5and60% in attack, with important points in the first two sets.
Kurbanovcontributed stably to the success with13 points,+2,2 blocksand42% in attack, especially valuable in serve and block.
For Dynamo-Ural, the top scorer wasIliya Spodobetswith14 points, but his performance was not enough to bring more than one won set.
Team statistics
| Statistic | Dynamo-Ural | Lokomotiv |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks | 10 | 12 |
| Attack efficiency | 40% | 51% |
| Aces | 2 | 5 |
| Points | 85 | 98 |
| Points from opponent errors | 34 | 27 |
The statistics clearly show Lokomotiv's advantage inactive game elements. The visitors have more blocks (12:10), significantly higher attack efficiency (51% against 40%) and a clear advantage in direct service points (5:2). This is also reflected in the total number of points scored –98 for Lokomotiv against 85 for Dynamo-Ural.
At the same time, Dynamo-Ural scores more points fromopponent's errors (34 against 27which speaks of periods of fluctuation in Lokomotiv's game, especially in the third game. However, this factor is not enough to compensate for the difference in the quality of attack and serve. In decisive moments, Lokomotiv managed to assert its effectiveness, and this is what tipped the balance in their favor.
