Zenit (Saint 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 wins.
The guests from Novosibirsk completely controlled the first two sets. Stable play in attack and a good serve, 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 key turning point occurred in the match. Zenit significantly improved its attack efficiency, limited errors, and started winning long rallies. At 15:14 for Zenit, Simeon Nikolov left the court due to a strain and did not re-enter the match.

Changes in Lokomotiv's lineup did not yield 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 finalize the 3:2 score.
Simeon Nikolov started as a starter for Lokomotiv but played only in the first three sets due to 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:

The statistics clearly show where the turnaround came from. Although "Lokomotiv" has more direct attack points and slightly better reception, "Zenit" compensated with a stronger block and a more effective serve. The difference in points from opponent errors also proved crucial – it was there that the hosts accumulated the advantage that tipped the scales in their favor at the end of the match.
The third match of the best-of-five series is on April 26 in Novosibirsk.

photo:lokovolley.com