After the home tie-break loss in the first quarter-final match of the Russian Cup, "Lokomotiv" had to achieve a 3:0 or 3:1 victory to qualify for the semi-finals. In the return match in Tula on November 9, the Novosibirsk team completed the task 100% and eliminated "Belogorie" from the Russian Cup tournament, winning the match 3:0 and securing a ticket to the semi-finals! Already in the first set, the "Railroaders" pulled ahead thanks to their powerful serving - a series by Dmitry Lyzik, and Omar Kurbanov was stable in attack. In the second set, aces were recorded by Dmitry Lyzik and Ilya Kazachenkov, and Rajab ended the set. The hosts put up resistance in the third set, but in the final part, "Lokomotiv" played concentrately - Plamen Konstantinov's team increased their lead after 18:18, and an ace by Rajab sealed the match. The Novosibirsk team becomes the first semi-finalist for the Russian Cup 2024 - their opponent will be the winner of the "Zenit" derby between Kazan and St. Petersburg, who will determine the stronger team on November 10.
"Belogorie" (Belgorod) - "Lokomotiv" (Novosibirsk) - 0:3 (18:25, 21:25, 22:25). Outside hitter Omar Kurbanov recorded 16 points (62% efficiency), opposite Rajab had 12 (59%), and middle blocker Dmitry Lyzik had 12 (70%, 4 blocks), outside hitter Marko Ivovic had 9 points.
The "Railroaders" remain in Tula until the next match - on November 12, they will meet "Belogorie" again. This time, the match will take place within the eleventh round of the PARI Super League. The Novosibirsk team will return to their home court on November 17 - the Siberian derby with Krasnoyarsk's "Yenisei" will be held in the "Lokomotiv Arena."

Plamen Konstantinov, head coach of "Lokomotiv":

- We played well, focused. What we analyzed after the last two matches yielded results. We changed some things, improved what needed to be improved. The main reason for the victory is that Pooh chose the wrong court before the match. That's why we won.

photos: lokovolley.com