ROAD TO RIO M: Alekno finds solution for European champions – Russia go to Rio!

Russia

After the women’s national team of Russia, men’s team have fulfilled their dream as well.

The opposite Maxim Mikhailov was the man of the match. The fact that France blocked him for the first time in the fourth set is saying enough about his display in this match.

The European champions quickly took the first set. From the beginning, they were serving very well (four aces at the result 13-5) and Russia could not recover after this powerful start of France.

Even Alekno had to replace receivers – Tetyukhin and Kliuka out, Berezhkho and Markov in. This move didn’t help in that moment, but…France increased the lead and won the first set with 10 points of advantage 25 15.

In the second set, we saw a different outcome. Now, Russia were dominating all the time and managed to tie in sets 1:1. The head coach of France tried with some substitutions but it didn’t help.

Alekno’s move to replace receivers proved to be right decision as they made difference on the court. But, Andrey Ashev was the hero in the third set. At the very end of this part of the game, he stopped Ngapeth twice and Rouzier once to keep Russia three points ahead.

France managed to save two set points, but after stunning action, Berezhko gave Russia 2-1 lead!

Alekno’s side, believe it or not, continued to play on high level even in the fourth set. Markin, Berezhko and Mikhaylov were simply unstoppable. Since the beginning of the set, Russia controlled the game and at the result 19:13, we knew that European champions will have tough job to make comeback.

Top scorers: Ngapeth 17, Rouzier 12, Le Roux 11, Tillie 10 –  Mikhaylov 18, Berezhko 18, Markin 17, Ashev 9!

CEV QUALIFICATION ROUND – 185 / FINAL – 1ST PLACE MATCH – 15 / –

CEV QUALIFICATION ROUND – 185 / 3RD PLACE MATCH – 24 / –

To see standings, results, stats, videos, etc, visit our Olympic Games 2016 M page.

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