Panathinaikos is one step away from the title in the Greek Novibet Volley League, after dramatically winning the third final against PAOK with a score of 3:2 (25:22, 21:25, 22:25, 25:18, 16:14) and taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
The match in "Mets" Hall fully lived up to expectations for a big derby that saw two comebacks. "The Greens" took the first set, but PAOK reacted strongly and turned the score to 1-2. In the fourth set, the hosts gained dominance primarily from their serve and equalized, while the tie-break turned into a real thriller.
In the decisive fifth set, Panathinaikos took a 10:7 lead, but the visitors equalized at 10:10. Another break followed, making it 12:10, before PAOK, through Kolev, narrowed the gap to 12:11 and got back into the match. In the crucial moments, Kolev shone again, as his block made the score 13:13. The hosts kept their nerves steadier and were the first to reach match point, which was missed due to a serving error. Unfortunately, Kolev did the same at 14:14, and after a subsequent block by Spirito, the home team closed the match at 16:14.
Among PAOK's most consistent scorers was Nikolay Kolev, who finished with 9 points (1 ace, 4 blocks, 40% attack efficiency) and made a significant contribution both at the net and from the service line.
The fourth match is on May 9 in Thessaloniki, where Panathinaikos will have its first chance to close out the series, while PAOK needs a mandatory win to stay in the title race.