Greek GS Panionios (Nea Smyrni) made a huge step towards the Challenge Cup semifinals after winning the first quarterfinal as a guest in Cyprus. A victory in the return leg in a week will send Panionios among the four best in the tournament, and an intriguing scenario is already emerging on the horizon – an all-Greek semifinal against Panathinaikos.
First Quarterfinal – Result
Olympiada Neapolis (Cyprus) – GS Panionios (Greece) 1:3(25:21,17:25,19:25,14:25)
Individual Leaders:
| Team | Player | Points |
|---|---|---|
| GS Panionios | Polina Rahimova | 17 |
| GS Panionios | Bianca Ristecivic | 14 |
| Olympiada Neapolis | Malina Terrell | 21 |
The difference in the match came not only from the game-by-game score, but also from the attack structure. Olympiada had one prominent figure – Malina Terrell (21 pts), but without sufficient support around her. Panionios, on the other hand, played with better balance – Rahimova (17) and Ristecivic (14) provided stability and consistency, which was most evident in the third and fourth sets.
Atanasijevic – solid efficiency and important contribution
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 12 |
| +/- | +9 |
| Ace | 1 |
| Block | 1 |
| Attack efficiency | 38% |
This is a match profile where the player doesn't 'explode' with a huge offensive output but is extremely useful – 12 points, +9, and a direct contribution from serve and block. In knockout matches, such stats often decide the outcome because they bring security in the most crucial rotations.
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The return leg in Athens: a win = semi-final
Second quarter-final
05/02/2026
Andreas Varikas (Nea Smyrni)
GS Panionios (Greece) – Olympiada Neapolis (Cyprus)
Dragan Nesic's girls are in a position where a victory qualifies them directly for the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup. Home advantage and their form from the first match make the Greeks favorites, but Olympiada has already shown that they can take a set and create pressure if they start aggressively.
The possible big storyline: a Greek semi-final against Panathinaikos
If Panionios successfully advances, the next step could be a Greek duel for a spot in the final – against Panathinaikos, who are also in an excellent position after their first quarter-final. The 'Greens' convincingly defeated Serbian Crvena Zvezda and appear to be one of the strongest teams in this phase of the tournament.
If both Greek teams finish what they started, the Challenge Cup could become a stage for a Greek derby at a European level, which would be a serious sign of the strength of club volleyball in the country this season.
photos: cev.eu
