Lokomotiv Avia took the lead in the semifinal series against Neftochimic 2010, after convincingly winning 3:0(25:20,25:21,25:19) in Plovdiv. The match between the two teams, who had exchanged one victory each during the regular season, this time was under the control of the hosts, who showed more effective play in attack and better organization in the decisive moments.
The start was even, with both teams going point for point until 4:4. Neftochimic tried to press with their serve and took a 6:4 lead, but Lokomotiv quickly stabilized their reception and leveled the play. Gradually, the Plovdiv team began to find solutions in attack, especially through Georgiev and Damyanov. In the end, the hosts imposed a rhythm and, after a series of successful attacks, closed the set at 25:20.
The guests started better and took a 2:0 lead, but a quick four-point run for Lokomotiv followed. The hosts improved their blocking and limited Neftochimic's attacking options, which led to an 11:6 advantage. The difference was maintained in the middle of the set, and despite the Burgas team's attempt to narrow the gap at the end, Lokomotiv controlled the situation and won 25:21.
Lokomotiv started more focused and took a 6:3 lead after successful attacks through the middle. Neftochimic made more errors, and the hosts took full advantage of every attacking situation. The difference remained within 4-5 points, and there was no tension at the end. The Plovdiv team finished the set at 25:19 and closed the match without losing a set.
The top scorer for Lokomotiv was Zhulien Georgiev with 15 points (+10 efficiency, 1 ace, 1 block, 52% attack success). Ivaylo Damyanov and Todor Valchev added 12 points each, and Kristian Aleksov finished with 11.
For Neftochimic, only Adi Osmanovic reached a double-digit score " 10 points.
Team statistics
| Metric | Lokomotiv | Neftochimic |
|---|---|---|
| Block | 7 | 3 |
| Attack % | 54% | 40% |
| Attack points | 46 | 33 |
| Positive reception | 37% | 47% |
| Aces | 6 | 3 |
| Service errors | 11 | 8 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 16 | 21 |
| Total points | 75 | 60 |
Lokomotiv has a clear advantage in attack and block, which compensates for their weaker reception. Neftochimic receives better and earns more points from opponent's errors, but their low attack efficiency proved decisive for the final outcome.
