Zenit Kazan inflicted a second defeat, this time 3:1, on Plamen Konstantinov's Loko Novosibirsk in the semi-final series for the Russian Cup. In the first match at home, the "railroaders" lost 0:3 (20:25, 20:25, 21:25). Thus, Mikhailov and company qualified for the final, where they will meet Tsvetan Sokolov's Dynamo Moscow team.
The team, led by Alexey Verbov, left no doubt about its superiority. Due to injury, the main setter of the guests, Igor Kobzar, was not included in the squad for the match. The only setter remaining was Vadim Ozhiganov.

After taking a 2:0 lead, "Zenit" secured an early qualification for the final, which allowed Verbov to make six substitutions at once, sending the leaders to rest. His colleague Plamen Konstantinov also made several changes.

The reserves of the Kazan team lost one set but brought the match to a victory.
Dynamo can win the Russian Cup for the fourth time in its history and the first time since 2020, when they defeated Zenit (Saint Petersburg) with 3:0 sets. The last time the Muscovites competed for the trophy was in 2021, when they lost to Zenit (Kazan) with 0:3 sets.
The decisive match of the tournament will be held on December 28 in Moscow or Kazan.
Zenit-Kazan - Lokomotiv (Novosibirsk) - 3:1 (30:28, 25:19, 20:25, 25:19)
Enin (10), Klets (10), Mikhailov (9) - Kazachenkov (12), Kurkaev (11), Shakhbanmirzaev (9)
photos: lokovolley.com