PAOK qualified for the semi-finals of the Nikos Samaras League Cup tournament, after achieving an important 3:1 (25:21, 23:25, 25:21, 25:22) victory over league leader Milon. The match offered high dynamics, key individual performances, and strong emotion, marked by Uroš Kovačević's red card.

Uroš Kovačević's first official match in Greece turned into a real show. The Serb scored 24 points (22 attacks, 2 blocks) and was the highest-scoring player on the court. His strong attacks in decisive moments tipped the scales in favor of PAOK, despite the red card incident he received after a remark to an opponent. Ultimately, he was chosen as the MVP of the match.

Bulgarian middle blocker Nikolay Kırtev finished the match with 3 points (3/9 in attack). The other Bulgarian – Nikolay Kolev – finished with 7 points (6/7 in attack and 1 block).

PAOK made 63 successful attacks, 1 ace, and 5 blocks, taking full advantage of 29 errors by Milon. The opponent responded with 58 attacks, 4 aces, and 9 blocks, but their 18 errors were not enough to break Valantis Mamais' team.

After the match:

Uroš Kovačević:

It was a very good match. We played well against a quality team. This was my first match in Greece, and for the second time in my career, I received a red card. I asked the opponent for respect. That hurt me.

Milon's coach, Sakis Psarras:

Uroš Kovačević's presence was crucial for the opponent. We couldn't deal with him. He made attacks that were unreal. In practice, he decided the match.

Photos:volleyleague.gr