Cucine Lube Civitanova continues flawlessly at home in the second half of the Serie A1 season. In a match from the 15th round, played at the "Eurosole Forum" in Civitanova, the "cooks" defeated Sonepar Padova 3:0 (25:17, 27:25, 30:28) and solidified their stable performance in front of their home crowd.

Alex Nikolov was once again in the spotlight, playing a very strong and mature match. The Bulgarian international finished as Lube's top scorer with 16 points and a +5 efficiency rating. Nikolov recorded 2 aces, 67% positive and 67% perfect reception, as well as 54% attack efficiency. This performance comes despite the tension surrounding the scandal that erupted during the week, which we have already reported on, and clearly demonstrated the outside hitter's concentration and professionalism. The match was also watched by Vladimir Nikolov.

Mattia Bottolo also made a strong contribution, adding 14 points (+3), 1 ace, and 2 blocks. The Italian finished with 60% positive and 35% perfect reception, as well as an impressive 69% in attack, becoming the second main offensive factor for the hosts.

For the guests from Padova, the only player with a double-digit score was Veljko Masulovic, who scored 18 points. Bulgarian Boris Nachev did not participate in the match, as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury.

The match itself offered different dynamics. Lube dominated the first set and won it convincingly 25:17. In the second and third sets, Padova put up strong resistance, but in key moments, Lube's class and better attacking decisions tipped the scales in favor of the hosts – 27:25 and 30:28.

With this victory, Cucine Lube Civitanova remains in sixth position in the standings, just one point behind fifth-placed Piacenza. In the next round, on January 14, the "cooks" will visit bottom-placed Grottazzolina, in a match with additional interest as a "Bulgarian" derby.

photo: legavolley.it