In a postponed CEV Champions League fixture the players of Russian powerhouse of Dinamo Moscow outclassed the Czech team VK Dukla Liberec in three sets. Tomorrow at 20h the team of Liberec will have their last appearance on the European stage this season, meeting the team of THY Istanbul. The Czech’s cannot advance anymore to the quarterfinals, however will still try to record their first victory in Pool C.
On Sunday, Dinamo dominated completely on the court in the first set of the encouter against Dukla. The hosts showed a much better performance in the next two sets, breathing down their opponents’ necks, but scoring in the deciding moments, Dinamo seized all their important opportunities.
Overall, the Russian squad outperformed the Czech team on all counts, finishing with as many as 52 winning spikes (to 39), 10 kill blocks (to seven) and aced five times (to none by Dukla Liberec).
– Dinamo started off better (4-1), with successful attacks by Nataliya Goncharova and Elitsa Vasileva. However, Lucie Nova on the serving line helped the hosts to get closer at 4-4, and even take a lead at 6-5. Goncharova, Edina Begic and Irina Fetisova responded immediately, taking things under control. Comfortable on the court, with setter Tatiana Romanova on the serving line, the guests stormed out, building a comfortable point difference (17-8). Dinamo finished the first set with as many as 18 winning spikes (to six by Liberec), and aced three times.
– The second set was much more intriguing, as both teams fought hard for each ball. After a close call (12-11, 16-16), Dinamo emerged victorious mainly thanks to their domination on the blocking (5) and a better reception (79% positive). After two sets of play, the Moscow team was also proving better on attacking, with 51% efficiency on this element to 35% by the host side.
– Dukla started better in the third set, leading at 10-7, but captain Goncharova made it difficult for the hosts’ reception (one ace). Edina Begic also shined on this element (one ace). Dinamo then showed power on the blocking and took the leadership position, turning things around, finishing as well good their spikes (20-14).
– Begic was chosen for Most Valuable Player of the match, with as many as 14 winning spikes to her name (58% efficiency). Goncharova added 16.
– 23 points by top scorer Nikola Kvapilova weren’t enough for Dukla to take a set.
“I’m really happy with tonight’s victory, it wasn’t easy. Dukla definitely pushed us to do well. They played very good in defence and for us, it was sometimes hard to organize the attack. This victory certainly gives us extra motivation as we go play another match in Champions League in Novara this Tuesday.”
Edina Begic
MVP of the match and player of Dinamo MOSCOW
“I think that after the first set, that was completely dominated by our opponents, we came back to the match. We fought for every ball, which was obvious on the balanced ends of the second and third sets. It’s nice to play with such a good opponent and on Tuesday we will fight again in the Champions League.”
Veronika Dostálová
Captain & libero of Dukla Liberec
