Luxembourg, 29 March 2021. Dinamo Moscow’s European journey began all the way back in the Round 1 of the CEV Champions League Volley Men 2021 when they comfortably topped Pool D and put them on course to face off with the future SuperFinalists from Trentino Itas in Round 2. Despite failing to advance into the Round 4 of Europe’s premiere club competition, Dinamo’s route into the CEV Cup together with the outstanding roster they relied upon for this season made them one of the clear favourites to win the title and so they did.

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Pavel Pankov, the Finals MVP

The All-Russian CEV Cup Finals between Saint Petersburg and Dinamo Moscow was an enthralling battle set in an almost dreamlike atmosphere where fans were allowed to participate despite capacity restrictions, in stark contrast with other arenas around the continent. After managing a 3-2 win in Moscow, Dinamo went to Saint Petersburg, the arena where they managed to win the Russian Cup back in December, confident that they could add another win and trophy to their cabinet, a third CEV Cup title for the club from the Russian capital to go with the Cup Winners' Cup they won in 1985. In the end, another win for Dinamo (1-3) and their third CEV Cup trophy.

Team captain and setter of Dinamo Moscow, Russian Pavel Pankov had a crucial role in leading his team to victory. A great leader on the court with an immense role in the implementation of coach Brianskii’s tactics, 25 year-old Pankov was rewarded with the Finals MVP title for his outstanding performances throughout the two matches that brought him his second CEV Cup Trophy.

Son of volleyball coach Vadim Pankov and the late volleyball player Marina Nikulina Pankova, an Olympic Champion in Seoul - 1988, and with an older sister, Ekaterina Pankova, who is part of Russia’s Volleyball National Team, Pavel Pankov is playing his part in continuing the family traditions. Part of the Russian Volleyball team at all age categories and winner of multiple competitions and individual awards, Pavel has also been a part of some of the strongest clubs in Russia, including Zenit Saint Petersburg or Kuzbass Kemerovo, before going back for his second stint at Dinamo Moscow in 2019.

With the end of the domestic season in sight, Pavel and Dinamo Moscow will be looking at securing their place in next season’s CEV Champions League Volley where they will be feeling confident that they can go far in the competition.

Pavel Pankov: "It's always cool to play here. We won the Russian Cup in Saint Petersburg in December, and now we deserved another trophy. However, now we won't be celebrating. We will start the preparations for the Final Six of the Russian Championship."