2022 semi-finalists Panathinaikos start #CEVChallengeCupM campaign on a high note
News
Last year’s CEV Challenge Cup semi-finalists Panathinaikos ATHENS of Greece have started their journey in the 2023 edition of the same competition with two 3-1 wins in their 32nd Finals matches with Spartak MYJAVA of Slovakia. Therefore, the ‘Greens’ have secured their spot in the next round where they will be playing against Czech Republic’s Aero ODOLENA VODA.
“It was a good victory and we have now qualified to the next round. In attack I think we are good, but we need to improve our block, defence, and transition. We are improving with every game! I want to say thank you to our fans. We are so happy to have them, they are the best in the world,” said the Danish setter of Panathinaikos, Axel Jacobsen after Wednesday’s home win.
Dimitrios Andreopoulos“There are no easy matches in the European Cups, and it is important for us that we won and qualified to the next round. We got two wins and so we move on. The season is long and demanding but we started well and that’s how we want to continue. Our mind is now on the games with Aero ODOLENA VODA.”
Head coach of Panathinaikos
Jaroslav Petrucha, head coach of Spartak MYJAVA: “It was a great experience for us, and we are happy that we played here today. It is very important for our team that we compete in the European Cups and gain experience. The atmosphere was great today thanks to the fans of Panathinaikos, and we are happy to play games like this.”
Matus Sima, libero of Spartak MYJAVA: “We are happy with the game because we were competitive despite the loss. We fought at home and here as well, and we could take two sets. It was a great experience for my team, and we are happy to play in such a warm atmosphere.”