PAOK qualified for the next phase of the European tournaments (Challenge Cup), after recording a second victory over Cypriot Paphos. After the 3:1 away win, "the black and whites" left no doubt in Thessaloniki, where they closed the clash with a clear 3:0(25:22,25:17,25:23) in 75 minutes of play. Thus, the Greek team convincingly won the contested group in Paphos and advances, where Slovenian Maribor awaits them.

Already in the first set, PAOK took control, as after an even start, they imposed better organization in serving and blocking. In the key moments, the hosts' attack yielded results and the set was closed at 25:22. In the second set, PAOK's superiority was even more pronounced – an early lead, stable reception, and aggression at the net led to a comfortable 25:17. The third set was the most contested, but a series of good serves and blocking at the end brought success with 25:23 and the end of the match.

Set development

In all three sets, PAOK demonstrated greater stability in the key phases. The second set clearly showed the difference in class, and in the third, the hosts kept their composure in the decisive rallies.

Team statistics

PAOK compensated for the fewer aces with better attack efficiency and a solid block. The ten blocks proved to be a key factor, especially at the end of the third set.

Bulgarian middle blocker Nikolay Kolev played a strong match. With 6 points, excellent attack efficiency (4/5) and 2 blocks, he was an important factor at the net.

In the next round, PAOK will face Maribor, with the first match of the "round of 16" phase to be played on Thursday, January 22, in Slovenia. The Greek team enters this clash with growing confidence and stable form, and Nikolay Kolev's performance provides additional reasons for optimism.