Tours started 2026 with another home victory and maintained its first place in the standings, while for Montpellier, the match will be remembered for the official debut of Nikolay Kârtev, recruited from PAOK as a substitute for the injured Le Goff.

First set – 25:17
Tours dictated the tempo from the start, capitalizing on Montpellier's hesitations and building a significant lead with points from opponent errors. The visitors struggled to find their rhythm in attack, while the hosts controlled the game without significant pressure.

Second set – 25:21
Montpellier stabilized its game and started seeking more attacks through its receivers, but Tours was again more effective in key rallies. The difference came at the end, when the hosts showed better organization and finished the set without unnecessary risk.

Third set – 18:25
The strongest period for Montpellier. The visitors significantly reduced their own errors and dominated in attack, led by Thomas Pascual. Tours failed to counter and conceded the initiative in the middle of the set.

Fourth set – 27:25
The decisive set offered the greatest tension. Montpellier was close to a tie-break, but in the final points, Tours capitalized on its better blocking and a few errors from the visitors to close out the match.

Nikolay Kârtev's debut with the Montpellier team

In his first match for Montpellier, Nikolay Kârtev showed a stable and disciplined performance, gradually finding his place in the team's game.

• 8 points

• +4 efficiency

• 15 attacks – 40% efficiency

• 2 blocks

Kârtev's debut gives him reasons for optimism that he will be an important part of Montpellier's rotation in the upcoming rounds.

Individual leaders – Mujanovic and Pascual

For Tours, Slovenian national player Nik Mujanovic was once again the top scorer:

• 25 points

• +12 efficiency

• 48% in attack

• 1 block

Mujanovic was decisive in the fourth set and led the hosts in the most tense moments.

For Montpellier, Thomas Pasqual scored 21 points, but despite his strong match, his efforts only resulted in a set win.

Team statistics where the match was decided

• Attack points: 54 56

• Aces: 1 4(in favor of Montpellier)

• Blocks: 6 2(in favor of Tours)

• Points from opponent's errors: 34 26(in favor of Tours)

Comment:
Although Montpellier had superiority in serving and more attack points, Tours compensated with better blocking and significantly more points won from opponent's errors a decisive factor for the final outcome.

Tours Montpellier 3:1
(25:17, 25:21, 18:25, 27:25)

Robert Grenon Hall, 2834 spectators

Standings after the round

Tours continues to lead the pack with a comfortable advantage, while Montpellier remains in direct battle for second place. The competition between the leading teams promises an extremely tense continuation of the season.