Lokomotiv Avia recorded another success in the championship, defeating Dea Sport 3:0 (25:22, 33:31, 27:25). However, the victory left a bitter taste for the "black-and-whites" after Zhulien Georgiev suffered a severe ankle injury in the third set and left the court. In the coming days, the nature of the injury and the player's recovery time will become clear.

First Set: Strong Finish After an Even Start

The opening set was point-for-point until 15:15. An ace by Todor Valchev and a counter-attack by Zhulien Georgiev tipped the scales in favor of the hosts, who pulled ahead by three points. Dea tried to get back into the set, but Lokomotiv controlled the final rallies and closed it out at 25:22.

Second Set: Drama to 33:31

The second set offered a real thriller. Lokomotiv started strong – 7:3 after two aces by Valchev and blocks by Stankov and Alex Nikolov. However, a dip in attack followed, accompanied by unforced errors, which allowed the visitors to take a 10:13 lead.

The "black-and-whites" responded with three consecutive points to tie the score, but their instability continued, and Dea again took the lead – 20:17. At 21:21, the tension peaked. Lokomotiv had to save three set points, showed character in crucial moments, and, after a tough battle, closed it out at 33:31.

Third Set: Character and a Difficult Moment

In the third set, Lokomotiv led relatively confidently until 18:15, when Zhulien Georgiev suffered a severe ankle injury upon landing. His departure visibly affected the team. Dea took advantage of the team's shaken state, equalized, and reached two set points.

However, in the decisive moments, Alexov showed strong composure and ended the contest with two consecutive aces – 27:25. He was named MVP of the match.

Individual Performances

Todor Valchev – 19 points

Zhulien Georgiev – 16 points (before the injury)

Alexov – 13 points

Valchev was Lokomotiv's top scorer, and Georgiev once again demonstrated high efficiency before the unfortunate incident. Alexov, meanwhile, stood out with his decisive serves at the end of the match.

The victory solidifies Lokomotiv's position at the top, but everyone at the club will anxiously await the medical results regarding Zhulien Georgiev's condition.

photo:nvl.bg