CSKA Moscow vs Kama: CSKA Wins 3-2 in Russia Cup Five-Set Thriller

CSKA Moscow defeated Kama 3-2 in a dramatic Russia Cup men's volleyball match on September 10, 2026, at the CSKA home court in Moscow. The hosts took the five-set battle 25-22, 23-25, 25-19, 22-25, 15-12, surviving a determined Kama comeback and sealing the win with a composed finish in the deciding set.

The result gives CSKA Moscow an important victory in the Russia Cup and adds another tense chapter to the CSKA Moscow vs Kama head-to-head. Kama pushed the match to the limit, but CSKA's serving pressure, blocking in the key moments, and late-game experience proved decisive.

Set Scores

Match Overview

CSKA Moscow started the match with clear intent, controlling the first set through aggressive serving and a steady sideout game. Kama stayed close until the late teens, but CSKA pulled away behind strong attacking from opposite Maxim Sokolov and outside hitter Andrei Volkov. A 25-22 first-set win set the tone for the hosts.

Kama responded well in the second set. The visitors improved their reception and found rhythm in transition, forcing CSKA into longer rallies. With Rinat Safin leading the attack from the left side, Kama edged a tight set 25-23 to level the match and signal that the Russia Cup tie would not be a straightforward evening for CSKA.

The third set was CSKA's most complete. The Moscow club reasserted control at the net, with middle blocker Anton Lebedev making an impact on both offense and defense. CSKA's block tightened, and the home side converted defensive chances into quick points. A 25-19 set gave CSKA a 2-1 lead and renewed momentum.

Kama refused to fade. In the fourth set, the visitors raised their serving intensity and disrupted CSKA's reception. Opposite Ilya Morozov found success from the right side, and Kama's defense kept several difficult rallies alive. The visitors took the fourth set 25-22, forcing a decisive fifth set and turning the match into a genuine thriller.

Key Moments

• First-set separation: With the score tied at 18-18, CSKA won four of the next five points, capped by an Andrei Volkov ace, to take control of the opening set.
• Kama's second-set answer: Trailing 21-20, Kama won five of the final seven points, with Rinat Safin delivering two crucial kills from the back row.
• CSKA's blocking surge in the third: Anton Lebedev and Maxim Sokolov combined for key blocks that turned a 14-13 lead into a 19-14 advantage.
• Fourth-set resilience: Kama saved two CSKA set points and closed the set 25-22, forcing the tiebreak.
• Fifth-set finish: At 10-10 in the decider, CSKA won five of the last seven points, sealing the match with a Sokolov kill and a final defensive stand.

Tactical Story

CSKA Moscow's game plan revolved around serve pressure. The hosts accepted a higher error count from the service line in exchange for pulling Kama out of system. When that worked, CSKA's block was able to set up against Kama's outside hitters, and the Moscow club controlled the tempo of the match.

Kama's best stretches came when its reception held. The visitors used quick middle attacks and back-row offense to keep CSKA's block guessing, and their defensive effort extended rallies that could have ended earlier. Kama's ability to win the second and fourth sets showed the team's tactical discipline, but CSKA's superiority in the decisive moments made the difference.

In the fifth set, CSKA setter Pavel Orlov varied his distribution well. He kept the middle involved just enough to open space for Sokolov on the right side, and he trusted his pin hitters in high-pressure swings. Kama's block could not contain Sokolov consistently late, and CSKA's floor defense produced the final points needed to close the match.

Standout Players

Maxim Sokolov was CSKA Moscow's leading scorer with 26 points, including 22 kills, two aces, and two blocks. His ability to score from the right side in the fifth set was the single biggest reason CSKA escaped with the win.

Andrei Volkov added 18 points for CSKA, with 15 kills, two aces, and one block. He was particularly effective in the first and third sets, giving CSKA a reliable outlet when Kama's defense focused on Sokolov.

Anton Lebedev