Panathinaikos demonstrated incredible character and will to win after being in a difficult situation, trailing 0-2 in sets against PAOK in the first semifinal clash for the men's Volleyball League. Despite a tough start in the "Mets" hall, where the "Shamrock" was down 0-2 after the first two sets (19-25, 21-25), they managed to stage an impressive comeback and won the next three sets (25-21, 25-23, 15-9), securing a 3-2 victory.

Key to Panathinaikos' success were players Van Harderen and Gassman, who, with their exceptional performances, helped the team change the course of the match. Van Harderen finished with 14 points, including 12 successful attacks and 2 aces, showing stable reception (41% efficiency), while Gassman became the top scorer with 16 points, having converted 11 of 21 attacks and adding 3 aces and 2 blocks.

PAOK started strong, with Nikolai Kolev not playing, and Alexander Liaftov performing at a high level, finishing with 16 points (including 1 ace and 2 blocks). Despite the efforts of Liaftov and Mouklias, who scored a total of 44 points (22 for Mouklias and 16 for Liaftov), PAOK failed to withstand the opponent's pressure in the decisive moments.

Panathinaikos' biggest advantage in the final success was their stable performance in attack and serve, scoring 13 aces in the match, while PAOK managed only 4. Panathinaikos also capitalized on their opponent's errors, which allowed them to control the game, especially in the crucial moments of the third and fourth sets.

The outcome of this match leaves Panathinaikos one step away from the League finals, while PAOK will have to seek opportunities for recovery and victory in the next match if they want to get back into contention for the title.