The Bulgarian middle blockerNikolay Kolevplayed a solid match in Belgium, but PAOK dramatically lost to Aalst 2:3(25:20, 20:25, 27:25, 20:25, 15:8)in the first quarterfinal match of the Challenge Cup. The decisive outcome for a spot in the semifinals remains for the return leg in Thessaloniki.
The match lasted 126 minutes, and the Thessaloniki team showed character after falling behind in sets, turning it around to 2:1, but ultimately losing in the tie-break.
Nikolay Kolev finished with11 points, having scored8 successful attacks from 17 attemptsand added3 points from blocks. In moments when PAOK stabilized their game – especially in the fourth set – it was the Bulgarian's presence at the net that provided the necessary strength in the middle.
In a match where Aalst dominated blocking with a total of 16 points, Kolev's contribution was among the most significant in this component for the Greek team.
PAOK won the first set with more stable play at the end, but the hosts responded and equalized. The third set was crucial – the Belgians snatched it 27:25, after which the match entered a decisive phase.
The Thessaloniki team equalized to 2:2, but in the tie-break, Aalst took a 5:2 lead and held their advantage until the final 15:8.
Team statistics
| Team | Aces | Attack points | Block points | Points from opponent's errors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aalst | 7 | 56 | 16 | 31 |
| PAOK | 5 | 56 | 10 | 29 |
Both teams were equal in attack (56:56), but the difference in blocks – 16:10 for Aalst – proved decisive. Nevertheless, Kolev was among the few PAOK players who managed to put up real resistance at the net. If the Thessaloniki team wants a comeback in the return leg, this particular element will need to be improved.
Top scorers for PAOK
| Player | Points | Attack | Block |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fernando Hernandez | 22 | 18 | 1 |
| Uroš Kovačević | 19 | 16 | 3 |
| Nikolay Kolev | 11 | 8 | 3 |
Kolev was among the top three scorers for PAOK and was the team's most effective middle blocker. His presence in the middle partially limited Aalst's attack, but the overall superiority of the Belgians at the net weighed heavily in the decisive rallies.
The return leg at PAOK Sports Arena is on February 17. PAOK needs a 3:0 or 3:1 victory to qualify directly for the semifinals, and if it's 3:2, a golden set will be played.
photo:volleyleague.gr
