"Zenit" (St. Petersburg) showed character and achieved a dramatic victory over "Lokomotiv" (Novosibirsk) with3:2(20:25, 21:25, 25:18, 25:18, 15:12), thus leveling the bronze medal series at 1-1 victories.
The guests from Novosibirsk completely controlled the first two sets. Stable play in attack and good serving, including a service run by Simeon Nikolov in the second set, allowed them to build a lead and go up 2:0.
From the third set onwards, however, a crucial turning point occurred in the match. "Zenit" significantly increased its attacking efficiency, limited errors, and started winning long rallies. At 15:14 for Zenit, Simeon Nikolov left the court due to an injury and did not return until the end of the match. After his departure, Lokomotiv's game fell apart – a drop in attacking efficiency and a lack of synchronisation with setter Ozhiganov led to a series of lost points and a complete comeback.
Changes in Lokomotiv's lineup did not have the desired effect, and the hosts gradually tied the score and forced the match into a tie-break.
In the decisive fifth set, "Lokomotiv" took a 5:3 lead, but failed to maintain the initiative. "Zenit" responded with better blocking and defense, scored an important ace, and capitalized on their opponent's errors to close out the match and secure the final 3:2.
Simeon Nikolov started as a starter for "Lokomotiv," but played only in the first three sets due to the injury, finishing with 3 points, including 1 ace.
The top scorers for the guests were Dmitry Lyzik with 17 points, Sam Deroo with 15, and Kazachenkov with 13. For "Zenit," the leader was Vladislav Babkevich with 25 points, followed by Roman Pakshin with 16, while Dikarev and Yant added 11 points each.
Team statistics:
| Metric | Zenit | Lokomotiv |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks | 11 | 7 |
| Attack efficiency | 52% | 51% |
| Points from attack | 56 | 61 |
| Positive reception | 45% | 48% |
| Aces | 7 | 4 |
| Service errors | 21 | 21 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 32 | 26 |
| Total points | 106 | 98 |
The statistics clearly show where the turnaround occurred, besides Nikolov's injury. Although 'Lokomotiv' has more direct attack points and slightly better reception, 'Zenit' compensated with a stronger block and more effective serve. The difference in points from opponent's errors also proved crucial – it was there that the hosts accumulated the advantage that tilted the scales in their favor at the end of the match.
After the match, head coach Plamen Konstantinov confirmed to BO Sport the seriousness of Nikolov's situation, not ruling out a severe injury.
'Nikolov either has a tear or a strain. The medical staff said there should be no further risk. We will conduct examinations – ultrasound, MRI – to understand how serious it is. If it's a tear, he won't recover. If it's a micro-tear, there's a chance,' Konstantinov stated.
The Bulgarian specialist emphasized that there is currently no clarity on whether Nikolov will be available for the next match in the series.
The absence of the setter also proved to be a key factor in terms of play. In the first two sets, 'Lokomotiv' dictated the tempo and played with diverse attacks, while after the third set, their effectiveness dropped, and 'Zenit' began to read the game more easily and dominate in long rallies.
Konstantinov also used the opportunity to level sharp criticism – both towards the refereeing and towards practices in the opponent's game which, according to him, violate the principles of fair play. Nevertheless, the focus remains on Nikolov's health, which could prove decisive for the outcome of the series.
The third match in the best-of-five series is on April 26 in Novosibirsk.
photo:lokovolley.com
