Zenit Kazan
The Russian Supercup was first introduced in 2008. Zenit KAZAN starred in all five editions held so far losing twice in a row to Dinamo MOSCOW in 2008 and 2009. In 2010 the guys mentored by Vladimir Alekno seized the cup for the first time by beating Belogorie BELGOROD and last year they had easily downed Lokomotiv NOVOSIBIRSK.
Last season, Zenit and Lokomotiv claimed the national league and cup respectively, that’s why they re-opened the season with yet another clash. In addition to this, both teams will represent Russia in the upcoming 2013 CEV Volleyball Champions League.
This time the match was very tense and dramatic, a kind of repetition of the Olympic final in London where Russia came from behind to beat Brazil. Zenit – whose roster includes a total of four Olympic champions – was able to flip the tables around and come back from two sets down to eventually win the game (22:25, 21:25, 25:18, 25:16, and 15:10).
“I admire the character of my players” said after the match Vladimir Alekno. “It is already the fourth time in the last four years that we edge Lokomotiv after coming back from two sets down. This sounds like some bad luck for our opponents, but it is certainly good for us”.
Top scorer was Maxim Mikhaylov, who collected 23 points. Two players made their debut for Zenit, namely US American opposite Matthew Anderson and setter Igor Kolodinsky.
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