PAOK outplayed Panathinaikos 3:2 (16:25, 25:23, 25:21, 21:25, 17:15) in an extremely dramatic match from the regular season of the Greek Volley League and remained in the fight for first place. The encounter in Thessaloniki offered comebacks, a high tempo, and a decisive tie-break, in which the hosts showed stronger nerves.
Panathinaikos started stronger and dominated the first set, which they won convincingly 25:16. "The Shamrocks" controlled the serve and block, limiting the hosts' attack.
PAOK reacted in the second set, improved their reception, and equalized after 25:23 with more aggressive play from Zone 4. The third set also went to the Thessalonians – 25:21, after the hosts applied pressure from the service line and closed down spaces effectively in defense.
The fourth set brought back the intrigue. Panathinaikos stabilized their distribution and, with more effective play in attack, equalized – 25:21, sending the match to a decisive fifth set.
In the tie-break, Panathinaikos had two opportunities to close out the match and leave with the victory, but a series of float serves from Jeffrey Jendryk turned the tide. PAOK showed character in the key rallies and closed the match at 17:15.
PAOK's outside hitter Menelaos Kokkinakis was named the most valuable player, having played a strong match in all elements. The main scorer for the hosts was Fernando Hernandez, who, despite playing with an injection, led the team in decisive moments.
Bulgarian middle blocker Nikolay Kolev contributed solidly and finished the match with 5 points, recording 1 service ace and 2 successful blocks.
Although with a more limited point tally, his presence at the net had an impact in key moments, especially in blocking, where his two direct points came in situations of high tactical significance. His ace supplemented his contribution from the service line and helped disrupt the opponent's reception.
The two teams will face each other again this Thursday in a quarter-final match of the Greek Cup tournament – an elimination clash that promises a new dose of tension.
The victory kept PAOK "alive" in the pursuit of the first position in the regular season, while Panathinaikos missed an opportunity to solidify their leadership, despite being on the verge of success in Thessaloniki.
