Lokomotiv Avia (Plovdiv) achieved a valuable 3:1 (25:23, 25:18, 26:28, 25:22) victory over CSKA and showed more stability in decisive moments, especially in the first and fourth sets.
The match started extremely evenly, with both teams going point for point until 11:11. After that, the hosts managed to establish a slight advantage, and a crucial attack by Julien Georgiev brought success in the first set.
In the second set, Plovdiv residents completely dominated. Strong initial pressure, excellent blocking, and a convincing lead already in the middle of the part led to a comfortable 25:18.
The third set was the most dramatic – CSKA managed to snatch the set after a disputed game and a decisive block-out for 28:26, keeping the intrigue alive.
In the fourth part, Lokomotiv again demonstrated more composure. A series of successful attacks and a stable block led to the final 25:22 and closing out the match.
Individual Leaders
Lokomotiv Avia
Kristian Aleksov – 22 points (+12), 1 ace, 1 block, 50% attack efficiency, he was chosen as the MVP of the match
Kiril Kolev – 13 points
Ivaylo Damyanov – 12 points
Todor Valchev – 11 points
Julien Georgiev – 11 points
CSKA
Nikolay Penchev – 13 points
Krasimir Mitev – 12 points
Hamish Hazeldine – 11 points
Team Statistics
| Metric | Lokomotiv | CSKA |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks | 12 | 11 |
| Attack efficiency | 49% | 39% |
| Positive reception | 51% | 62% |
| Aces | 4 | 2 |
| Service errors | 18 | 13 |
| Attack points | 73 | 63 |
| Total points scored | 101 | 91 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 28 | 28 |
The statistics clearly highlight Lokomotiv's superiority in attack – 73 points from attack against 63 and significantly better efficiency (49% against 39%). This proved decisive, even though CSKA had a better positive reception (62%).
The block also slightly tilted the scales towards the Plovdiv team (12:11), and the serve brought an additional advantage with more aces (4:2), albeit with more errors.
Lokomotiv Avia deservedly achieved success, led by the excellent Kristian Aleksov and the strong play of the middle blockers. CSKA showed character with the dramatically won third set, but failed to withstand the home team's pressure in the decisive moments.
Standings after the last match of the 15th round
| Place | Team | Points | Matches | Wins | Losses | Games | Points Won | Points Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lokomotiv Avia | 34 | 13 | 12 | 1 | 38:12 | 1176 | 1011 |
| 2 | Levski-Sofia | 34 | 14 | 12 | 2 | 38:15 | 1222 | 1072 |
| 3 | CSKA | 32 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 37:17 | 1256 | 1128 |
| 4 | Neftochimik 2010 | 26 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 29:17 | 1054 | 987 |
| 5 | Beroe 2016 | 24 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 30:21 | 1134 | 1118 |
| 6 | Deya Sport | 21 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 27:29 | 1223 | 1235 |
| 7 | Pirin | 19 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 25:28 | 1133 | 1172 |
| 8 | Montana Volley | 18 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 26:30 | 1252 | 1275 |
| 9 | Cherno More | 8 | 14 | 2 | 12 | 15:38 | 1144 | 1240 |
| 10 | Slavia | 4 | 13 | 2 | 11 | 9:37 | 891 | 1113 |
| 11 | Dunav | 5 | 14 | 1 | 13 | 10:40 | 1071 | 1205 |
Analysis and Commentary
After the last match of the 15th round was played, the battle for the top remains extremely contested. Lokomotiv Avia and Levski-Sofia have an equal record of 34 points each, but the team from Plovdiv has an advantage in matches played and a better set ratio (38:12).
CSKA remains closely behind the leaders with 32 points and continues to be a real contender for first place. In the middle of the table, Neftochimik and Beroe maintain stable positions, while the fight for playoff spots between Deya Sport, Pirin, and Montana remains completely open.
At the bottom, Cherno More, Slavia, and Dunav are experiencing serious difficulties, with Dunav having only one win since the start of the season.
