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Uralochka-NTMK EKATERINBURG won the tie-break in the home game against Maritza. The Bulgarian club scored their first point in the CEV Champions League Volley 2020 and threatened Russians with a good volleyball in all five sets.

Uralochka started well especially on the block. Russian players managed to neutralize five Maritza's attacks. Outside-spiker Bohdana Anisova and middle-blocker Ekaterina Evdokimova made two blocks each. Interestingly, the actions in attack of both teams were far from ideal.

In the second set, Maritza PLOVDIV managed to significantly increase team’s confidence with the actions of outside-spiker Aleksandra Milanova and opposite Alexandra Holston, both of them scored ten points. Midway through the set, Maritza PLOVDIV took a seven-point lead and retained the handicap.

Nikolay Karpol tried to shake up his team with substitutions. However, the tactical changes did not bring a noticeable effect. The tie-break was a war of nerves. Uralochka-NTMK EKATERINBURG led 9-6 and lost this advantage. Ace of Parubets was decisive with the score 13-13, and after that Maritsa PLOVDIV sent the ball out.

Vladimir Orlov, head coach of Maritza PLOVDIV: “Of сourse, it is always a shame to lose, especially since we were in the lead. We lacked power in the attack, but against all odds I am happy. Playing against Uralochka-NTMK EKATERINBURG is always prestigious."

Kseniia Parubets, outside-spiker of Uralochka-NTMK EKATERINBURG: “Maritza have a very good defense. We did not play the best way, but I must say that there are no weak opponents in the Champions League."

Nikolay Karpol, the head coach of Uralochka-NTMK EKATERINBURG: "We had no stability in this game. Before the beginning of the season we played one roster, now we have to urgently play another tactical pattern. The players have shifted the responsibility for the result on each other. It is good that in the end we were able to win."