Martin Atanasov with 9 points in Olympiacos' winning start in Greece
Martin Atanasov and Olympiacos started the Greek championship with a 3:0 (28:26, 25:21, 25:19) away victory against newcomer Rethymno. Alberto Giuliani's team took all three points but had to overcome serious resistance in each set.
The Bulgarian international was a starter in all three sets and finished with 9 points – seven from attack and two aces. Atanasov converted 7 of 19 attack attempts for a 37% success rate. Out of 18 receptions, he recorded 56% positive and 28% perfect reception, without making a single error.
The first set was the most dramatic. Olympiacos led 24:21, but the hosts saved three consecutive set points, and subsequently had their own opportunity to lead at 26:25. The visitors withstood the pressure and took the next three points.
In the second set, Atanasov distinguished himself with an ace for 7:5. Rethymno turned the score to 10:8, but Olympiacos regained the initiative, and substitute Erik Röhrs closed the set with a direct point from a serve.
The hosts led 10:6 in the third set before Olympiacos equalized at 14:14. Jeffrey Spencer's pressure on block and serve helped the visitors pull away and finish the match.
The top scorer for the winners was Jake Hanes with 15 points – 14 from attack with a 58% success rate and one block. MVP Röhrs finished with 11 points – 10 successful attacks from 15 attempts without error and one ace. Spencer added 9 points, four of which were blocks.
"It's not easy to play in this hall. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but that's normal because several players joined at the end of preparation. I hope we improve every week," commented Giuliani.