After heavy home loss, PAOK progress to quarterfinals through Golden Set

AC PAOK THESSALONIKI secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the women’s CEV Challenge Cup by emerging victorious in the all-important Golden Set with a score of 15-6 against Dinamo ZAGREB, doing so after previously losing the re-match at home in straight sets. 

In the first set, PAOK started stronger to claim an 8-5 lead, but with a 6-0 streak, Dinamo reversed the situation to edge ahead at 11-8. Throughout the set, the visitors maintained their lead, moving the score to 17-13. PAOK faced a tough situation towards the end, trailing 15-22, attempted a comeback at 19-24, but could not succeed as Dinamo secured a 1-0 set lead with a 25-19 score. 

The second set mirrored the first, with PAOK taking an early lead at 8-4. Dinamo responded with a comeback, turning the tide at 12-11. Despite PAOK’s efforts to level the set at 19-19, Dinamo pulled ahead in the final stretch, reaching 24-20 and eventually winning the set 25-22. 

In the third set, PAOK displayed a good performance for most of the time, aiming to reduce their deficit and compete for progression to the next round without going through the Golden Set. The black-and-white team created a small lead at the beginning, 12-9, which the Croatians later cancelled at 15-15. In the final stretch, PAOK raised the level of its performance, gaining a clear lead at 22-18. However, a total blackout on the Greek side of the court allowed Dinamo to capitalise with a series of six straight points, thus moving to the front seat at 24-22. Despite PAOK’s attempts, the hosts could not make a comeback, and Dinamo won the set 25-22, sending the match to a Golden Set. 

There, PAOK showcased a dominant performance, capitalising on an excellent start with an 8-0 run. They maintained control throughout, winning the set with a commanding 15-6 score, securing qualification to the quarterfinals, where they will face the winners of the Galatasaray Daikin ISTANBUL (TUR) – VC WIESBADEN (GER) fixture. 

Darko Zakoc, head coach of PAOK: “I want to congratulate my players for showing much resilience and playing in the Golden Set as I wanted. Dinamo played exceptionally well, identified our weaknesses, especially in reception where we have a problem. I told the girls before the game not to underestimate the opponent and to forget about the 3-0 win in Croatia. We did not approach the game with seriousness from the beginning. We were lucky in the Golden Set, and we secured the qualification. Thanks to the fans who came to the stadium and supported us. What we want is to stabilise our performance. We have a challenging mission ahead, either against VC WIESBADEN or Galatasaray. We faced injury problems, which forced us to improvise in training and matches. The next games will take place in January, and I believe that by then, we will have corrected our mistakes and will give our best to perform better.”