PAOK reign supreme in re-match with Pafiakos
News
PAOK THESSALONIKI secured qualification for the 8th Finals of the men’s CEV Challenge Cup, defeating Pafiakos PAFOS 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-23) at the PAOK Sports Arena, thus completing a double victory in the Round of 32 of the European competition.
PAOK started strongly in the first set and took control early on, capitalising on the Cypriots’ errors and Jendryk’s blocking to move ahead 8-4. The Thessaloniki side maintained its lead, keeping the difference at four points (14-10), before Fernando Hernández and Adalberto Torres raised the tempo once again to make it 16-11. Despite Pafiakos’ response with a 0-3 run (16-14), PAOK replied immediately with a block by Markos Galiotis to restore a five-point cushion at 20-15 and continued to control the set. The visitors closed the gap once more (21-18), but PAOK, with decisive points from Menelaos Kokkinakis and Hernández, held firm (22-19, 23-19), reached set point at 24-21 and, through Hernández, sealed the set at 25-22 to take a 1-0 lead and lay the foundations for qualification to the next round.
PAOK entered the second set equally determined, imposing its rhythm from the outset with blocking and offensive efficiency, taking a 7-2 lead with a block by Nikolay Kolev. Although Pafiakos reduced the deficit (7-4), the hosts pulled away again through Hernández and Kokkinakis to make it 10-4, consistently keeping a six-point advantage (13-7, 17-11). With Kolev dominating at the net for 18-12 and Torres adding two consecutive points (21-15), PAOK comfortably closed out the set, reaching 22-15 with the help of Jendryk. The same player, along with Stavros Mouchlias who replaced Kokkinakis, made it 23-16, before Jendryk scored for 24-17 and Mouchlias finished with an attack to seal the set at 25-17, giving PAOK a 2-0 lead and confirming qualification for the Round of 16.
The third set turned into a real battle, but PAOK once again showed composure at the crucial moments. The start was evenly balanced (5-5, 7-7), with Kokkinakis giving PAOK the lead with a block (6-5) and Ioannis Takouridis keeping the hosts close on the scoreboard. After the timeout at 13-10, the Black-and-Whites extended their lead to +4 (16-12), taking advantage of the visitors’ errors, but Pafiakos reacted and drew level (17-17, 19-19). PAOK, with points from Torres and Mouchlias, remained calm (20-19, 22-21), while Takouridis’ ace brought up match point at 24-22. Despite Pafiakos reducing the score (24-23), PAOK closed out the set 25-23, thus completing a 3-0 victory.
Chrysovalantis Mamais“These matches certainly have their own particularities, especially given the fact that we needed two sets to secure qualification. We showed seriousness and focus in this game, and the players followed our game plan from the very beginning. In the third set, younger players had the opportunity to get playing time and they adapted very easily to the rhythm of the rest of the team. Congratulations to all the players - we move forward with momentum.”
Head coach of PAOK
Georgios Platritis“We knew from the start that it would be a difficult match. We tried hard to take risks with our serving; nevertheless, PAOK controlled the tempo throughout the game and managed to cope effectively. I believe we were not good in reception, and that ultimately cost us in the end.”
Head coach of Pafiakos