Levski won the derby between the first and second in the standings after outplaying Lokomotiv Avia with3:1 (25:19, 27:29, 25:23, 25:23)after 1 hour and 49 minutes of play. The success brought the 'Blues' three points and propelled them to the top of the standings with 40 points and 14 wins. The Plovdiv team remains second with 37 points and one game less, while CSKA is third.
Nikolay Zhelyazkov's team demonstrated more stable play in crucial moments and higher efficiency in attack, which proved key in the clash.
Match Development
First Set
The hosts exerted serious serving pressure and a stable block, which led to a 21:13 lead at the end of the set. Levski controlled the rallies and closed the set without problem at 25:19.
Second Set
The most even set in the match. The difference fluctuated within one or two points, with the 'Blues' being the first to reach 20. However, Lokomotiv took the set into overtime and, thanks to a more effective block and stronger serve, snatched 29:27, leveling the score.
Third Set
Another contested battle. In the crucial rallies, Levski showed better concentration and this time did not allow a repeat of the scenario from the previous set – 25:23.
Fourth Set
The guests did not slow down and fought until the end, being close to another overtime. However, a final block by Gordan Lyutskanov ended the dispute – 25:23 and 3:1 for Levski.
Individual Statistics
Todor Skrimov was the top scorer for the winners with 24 points (+16), including 5 aces, 1 block, and 62% attack efficiency. He was selected as the MVP of the match.
He was supported by Vayzik with 17 and Lyutskanov with 14 points.
Julien Georgiev from Lokomotiv Avia was above all others in the match with 28 points (+18), 6 aces, 1 block, and 50% in attack. Only Aleksov partnered him with a double-digit tally – 17 points.
Team Statistics
| Statistic | Levski | Lokomotiv Avia |
|---|---|---|
| Block | 10 | 9 |
| % in attack | 58% | 44% |
| Points from attack | 60 | 49 |
| Positive reception | 50% | 50% |
| Service errors | 18 | 14 |
| Aces | 7 | 8 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 25 | 28 |
| Total points | 102 | 94 |
Levski outperformed their opponent mainly in attack efficiency – 58% against 44%, which materialized in 11 more points directly from attack. Although Lokomotiv scored more points from opponent's errors and had one more ace, their lower attack success rate proved decisive. The equal percentage of positive reception shows that the match was balanced in the first contact, but the difference came in the second and third touches.
With this success, Levski sent a clear signal in the battle for first place, while Lokomotiv Avia retains real chances to reclaim the top spot with a win in their postponed match.
