Lokomotiv NOVOSIBIRSK stop ZAKSA, the defending #CLVolleyM champions in difficult position ahead of 6th Leg

This week gives Volleyball fans an unique opportunity to enjoy action in the CEV Champions League Volley 2022 through entire week, as several of postponed matches from earlier legs have been played after the end of 5th leg. On Saturday, at Regional Volleyball Center Novosibirsk, Lokomotiv NOVOSIBIRSK took on the reigning #CLVolleyM champion Grupa Azoty ZAKSA KĘDZIERZYN-KOŹLE in the match-up of the 4th Leg in Pool C. The home team with loud support of their fans dominated on block and serve, thus finding their way to stop ZAKSA and beating them in four sets. It's only the second win for Novosibirsk, who earlier this week suffered a defeat from Cucine Lube Civitanova and is still ranked 3rd in the pool. However, this match might be crucial for fate of the defending champions, as with two lost matches to their name and encounter with Lube in Civitanova ahead of them on Wednesday, they are in extremely difficult situation. ZAKSA has no longer a chance to win a pool, their only chance to be among last eight is to progress to quarterfinals as one of three 2nd placed teams with the best scores.

Grupa Azoty Zaksa KĘDZIERZYN-KOŹLE vs Lokomotiv NOVOSIBIRSK 1-3 (18-25, 25-23, 17-25, 20-25)

Lokomotiv NOVOSIBIRSK couldn't ask for a better start of the match, taking a 9-2 lead the hosts winded up. John Perrin played at his finest, also his teammates showed their mastery, even if they struggled a lot in reception (only 24% of positive receptions), once the defending #CLVolleyM champions seemed to be totally lost and overwhelmed. The team under guidance of Plamen Konstantinov improved further their advantage reaching maximum of ten points margin at 22-12 and 24-14. With nothing more to lose in this part, ZAKSA showed some great plays, including Smith's ace and Śliwka's attack from the middle to deny five set balls, but it was too late for a big dash and eventually Lyzik's spike closed the match.

The opener was a cold shower for the defending champions who played to stay in quest for spots in quarterfinals. After tight opening (8-8), Grupa Azoty Zaksa Kędzierzyn-Koźle started to run away with the score jumping to 11-9 lead. Aleksander Śliwka, captain of ZAKSA, showed his character on the court giving a spark to his team in difficult actions. Accompanied by Łukasz Kaczmarek and Kamil Semeniuk,  they gained a four-point lead at 23-19, but being so close to a set win, Lokomotiv fought back reducing the gap to one point. But when the set point came, Perrin spiked in out and ZAKSA levelled up the score.

Lokomotiv's players were eager to show their strength in front of the home crowd. And step by step they were building advantage in the third part, putting a lot of pressure on their rivals with service. In the middle of the set with Drazen Luburić on service line, the hosts reached seven points at 18-11. With so big margin, they didn't have to look back, sealing the set with Kurkaev's attack.

A point-by-point race opened the fourth set and was continued up to 10-10, then Lokomotiv speeded up again scoring four consecutive points. Konstantin Abaev had a big comfort of play and could send a ball to any of his teammates, who were just doing their job perfectly. ZAKSA having their back against the wall managed to shorten the distance to two points (16-14), but instantly Lokomotiv answered with two winning actions from Luburić and Perrin. The defending champions tried their best to get back in the game (21-19), but after ace from Luburić the home team got the first chance to close the match. Even if ZAKSA denied one match point, powerful spike from Savin sealed Lokomotiv’s victory. Luburić’s efforts were recognized with MVP award.