CSKA Moscow recovered from a second-set wobble to beat Volzhanin Kostroma 3-1 in Vysshaya Liga A on October 23, 2026, closing the match with two controlled sets to secure all three points.

The visitors won 25-27, 25-20, 22-25, 18-25 in a match that began with a marathon opening set and ended with CSKA Moscow in clear command. Volzhanin Kostroma fought hard, particularly in the second set, but could not match the visitors’ depth and serving power over the full distance.

Match overview

The first set set the tone for a competitive evening, with both teams trading points deep into the twenties. CSKA Moscow eventually edged it 27-25, showing composure in the biggest rallies. Volzhanin responded strongly in the second set, improving their reception and attacking with more variety to take it 25-20 and level the match.

That was as good as it got for the hosts. CSKA Moscow regained control in the third set, using their block to slow Volzhanin’s outside attack and winning 25-22. The fourth set was more one-sided, as the visitors built an early lead and closed it 25-18 to complete a professional away victory.

Set-by-set story

• Set 1: Volzhanin 25-27 CSKA Moscow — the visitors edged a tense opening set.
• Set 2: Volzhanin 25-20 CSKA Moscow — the hosts levelled through better first contact.
• Set 3: Volzhanin 22-25 CSKA Moscow — CSKA regained control at the net.
• Set 4: Volzhanin 18-25 CSKA Moscow — the visitors pulled away to seal the match.

Tactical turning point

The third set was the decisive phase. Volzhanin had momentum after the second, but CSKA Moscow responded by increasing their serve pressure and tightening their block coverage. That combination forced Volzhanin into more predictable attacks, and the hosts struggled to find clean kills in transition.

CSKA’s setter also managed the game well, spreading the attack and keeping the middle involved. Once the visitors established a lead in the third set, they never looked likely to surrender it. The fourth set followed a similar pattern, with CSKA controlling first contact and converting their chances efficiently.

Standout performers

CSKA Moscow’s outside hitters were the team’s most consistent scoring threats, especially in the closing two sets. The middle blockers made an impact with timely blocks, while the libero provided stability in reception under pressure. Volzhanin’s opposite hitter was the hosts’ standout performer, carrying a heavy attacking load and keeping the team competitive in the early stages.

Volzhanin’s second-set victory showed what they are capable of when their reception holds, but sustaining that level against a deep CSKA squad proved difficult. The visitors’ ability to rotate without losing rhythm was a key advantage.

Season impact

The 3-1 win gives CSKA Moscow three points and strengthens their position in the Vysshaya Liga A standings. For Volzhanin Kostroma, the defeat leaves them without a point from the fixture, though the second-set performance offered encouragement. CSKA will be pleased with the way they managed the match after an intense opening set, while Volzhanin will focus on improving their consistency in serve-receive for the next round.