"Hercules" put up a serious resistance to PAOK, but the champion with Hebar Pazardzhik, opposite hitter Aleksandar Lyaftov, made the difference with his strong serve from the very first point.
The first set started intriguingly, with "Hercules" leading 4-1, reaching 10-10 with good defensive play. However, Lyaftov then showed his class from the serve and with four consecutive aces the score became 10-15, ending the hosts' hopes. From then on, PAOK controlled the rhythm, winning the set 16-25.
The second set started with a 6-10 lead for the visitors, and "Hercules" reduced it to 8-10 through Giumakas. After that, however, Yosko Milenkoski's team dominated with an 8-0 run on Lyaftov's serve, which once again troubled the hosts' reception.
The most contested was the third set, in which "Hercules" fought until 15-15, but again could not cope with the opponent's serve. Nevertheless, the hosts showed character and reached 18-18 with an ace from Giumakas. Katic gave important points at a crucial moment, but "Hercules" equalized at 24-24 with a block from Eduardo. In the decisive rallies, Aleksakis and Eduardo made two more blocks to win the set 26-24.
The fourth set started evenly, with "Hercules" even equalizing at 13-13 with an ace from Eduardo. At that moment, Lyaftov again took matters into his own hands \u2013 with a series of strong serves he made the score 14-21. From then on, PAOK had no problems and closed the match with 17-25.
With his great serving performance, Lyaftov confirmed his reputation as one of the most dangerous servers in the Greek championship. The North Macedonian was a key factor in PAOK's success and showed why he is a valuable player for Milenkoski's team.
\u27a1 Sets: 1-3 (16-25, 12-25, 27-25, 17-25)
\u27a1 Top scorers: Giumakas (24 pts.), Rodrigue (15 pts.), Katic (13 pts.), Lyaftov (12 pts., 6 aces)
Neos Iraklis: 6 aces, 43 attacks, 10 blocks, 13 opponent errors
PAOK: 12 aces, 50 attacks, 9 blocks, 29 opponent errors
Today, the 1/8 final pairs for the Greek Cup will be revealed.
PAOK will face Olympiacos in a league match on Saturday, February 22, at 19:00.
