Foinikas SYROS celebrate successful return to European Cups after three-year hiatus
News
Three years after their last participation in European competitions, Foinikas SYROS played their first game in the 32nd Finals of the men’s CEV Challenge Cup 2026 and claimed a crucial win against Denmark’s NORDENSKOV UIF. The Greek team won 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-20) in 76 minutes at Dimitrios Vikelas Athletic Centre in Hermoupolis and they now need to win two sets in the return game in Denmark – scheduled for November 19 – to progress to the 16th Finals.
Axel Truhtchev was the top scorer of the match with 15 points (59% kill, including two aces and three blocks) and Renan Michelucci added nine (5/6 attacks, four blocks) – the same tally registered by Bram Van Den Dries. Libero Antonios Bourakis delivered an impressive performance with 80% positive reception (33% excellent).
Foinikas dominated with 14 kill blocks compared to only three from the Danish rivals, who made some substitutions in the third set. The guests pushed especially in the first set with Nicholas Glynn and Christian Sheaffer but they could not achieve more in the next sets, even though they tried to push from the service line. Guilherme Gava Cavalcante with nine points (39% in attack) was their top scorer.
Head coach of Foinikas, Athanasios Terzis said after the game:
“NORDENSKOV UIF put us under pressure with their serve, and we did not start the match well. I think that we could have shown more focus in certain moments. The quality of my players is high. We built large leads in the second and third sets with more controlled serving and good block-defence against a team with players who are still in their development process.”
Dries Hoeyberghs, head coach of NORDENSKOV UIF, admitted that:
“It was the first European match for my club. We expect a sold out arena for the return match in Denmark. Everything is to be played for but SYROS is a very good team. I respect what they do. They have experienced players and this is crucial in this competition. I have to admit that SYROS is a better team than us.”