In the first leg of the GM Challenge Cup round of 16, Lokomotiv Baku needed only an hour and three minutes to top Austrian Linz-Steg in three sets, 25:15, 25:11, 25:18.
Lokomotiv jumped out to an early 8:2 lead to start the match and went up 16:7 by the time of the second technical time-out. Azerbaijani team maintained the lead, eventually taking the set 25:15.
The second set was very similar to the first as Lokomotiv again quickly jumped to an 8:2 lead. Despite all efforts from the host team, the gap only grew wider as Lokomotiv finished the set 25:11.
In the third set, Austrian team tried to keep the distance as close as possible, trailing only 3 points - 5:8. It didn't last long, however, as Lokomotiv went on a 11:4 run to take the decisive 18:9 lead. Both teams exchanged points before Lokomotiv pushed through with a 25:18.
The return match will take place in Baku next week on January 12.
Meanwhile, Azerrail and Igtisadchi have reached an agreement with Greek Olympiacos and Serbian Tent teams to play both legs of their GM Challenge Cup round 16 games in Baku. Matches will take place next week on January 12-13.
