Panionios Betsson experienced one of their most memorable European nights, after eliminating Olympiada Neapolis with a dramatic 3:2 victory (25:18, 23:25, 25:23, 21:25, 15:8) and qualifying for the Challenge Cup semi-finals.

The key figure in the 'historians'' squad was once again Bulgarian national player Elitsa Atanasijevic, who led the team in the most crucial moments. Her strong performance in attack and stability in reception gave the hosts confidence from the very beginning.

Panionios started excellently and won the first set 25:18, with Atanasijevic distinguishing herself with crucial points in the middle of the set, when the team built up a lead. However, Olympiada Neapolis showed character and equalized after a 23:25 win in the second set, taking advantage of a drop in the hosts' concentration.

The third set was the most contested, but in the decisive rallies, Panionios once again found its leader. Atanasijevic was among the most active in attack, and the 25:23 success restored the Greek team's advantage.

The visitors did not give up and sent the match to a tie-break after a 21:25 win in the fourth set. In the decisive fifth set, Panionios demonstrated class and mental strength, dominating completely for the final 15:8 and the historic qualification.

After the victory over Olympiada Neapolis, Panionios' head coach Dragan Nesic emphasized the importance of the success, but also the club's ambitions:

'This is very important for our club and for the future. We have made a historic step, but this is not enough – we have bigger ambitions.'

The coach also thanked the fans, expressing confidence that the team is built for great goals:

'This group is built to reach all finals – and it will.'

Nesic also commented on the upcoming semi-final against Panathinaikos:

'They are a very strong team, which we respect. We have already played two important matches against them. We will prepare in the best possible way to win and reach the final.'

In the semi-finals, Panionios Betsson will face Panathinaikos in an all-Greek clash, which guarantees the participation of a Greek team in the Challenge Cup final.

However, an organizational issue related to the venues arises concerning the upcoming semi-finals. From this stage onwards, CEV requires a minimum capacity of 1500 spectators – a condition that neither Panathinaikos' "Mets" hall nor Panionios' "Andreas Varikas" currently meet.

Panathinaikos has already informed the European headquarters that they will undertake renovation work in "Mets", with additional stands to be added behind both service lines to meet the requirements.

For its part, Panionios is actively looking for an alternative home venue, with options including the "Makis Liougas" hall in Glyfada and the "Tae Kwon Do" sports complex in Trocadero.