PAOK secures step towards CEV Challenge Cup quarterfinals with 3-2 win in Hungary

In the first set, the hosts took an early lead, 6-2, but PAOK responded quickly to level at 6-6 and eventually edged ahead at 10-9. Midway through the set, MÁV regained control (14-12) and extended their lead to 19-15. Despite PAOK closing the gap to 22-21, the hosts secured three set points at 24-21 and eventually clinched the set at 25-22, making it 1-0.

PAOK started strong in the second set, building a 6-2 lead that boosted their confidence. Maintaining their momentum, they extended the lead to 14-7 and kept control, reaching 19-13 and finally closing the set at 25-17, thus levelling the match. 

The third set saw a sluggish start from PAOK, allowing MÁV to gain a 10-5 advantage. PAOK attempted a comeback at 10-7, but the hosts surged ahead to 17-11 and comfortably closed the set at 25-15, taking a 2-1 lead.

PAOK bounced back in the fourth set with a 9-5 lead. Although MÁV narrowed the gap to 9-10, PAOK pushed ahead to 17-13. In a tight finish, PAOK led 20-18, with the hosts equalising at 20-20. However, PAOK regained control and secured the set at 25-21, thereby forcing a decisive fifth set.

In the tiebreak, PAOK took an early lead at 6-3, maintaining it until switching sides of the court at 8-6. MÁV Foxconn responded with a 3-0 run to take a 9-8 lead. PAOK, led by Aleksandar Ljaftov, regained momentum and claimed three match points at 14-11. Despite MÁV Foxconn saving two, PAOK sealed the victory at 15-13, thus winning the match 3-2.  

This crucial away win puts PAOK in a favourable position ahead of the return leg in Thessaloniki.

Josko Milenkoski, head coach of PAOK: “We achieved a good result that allows us to hope for qualification to the next round. It was not easy, mainly due to the fatigue from the long trip and the demanding schedule we have had lately, playing matches every three days. We also faced a strong team with several international players from different countries, and this was their first loss of the season. Despite the victory, we must prepare well for the return leg and take it seriously if we want to advance. The most important thing is that the players responded well after the previous defeat. They showed great fighting spirit and motivation. Without these qualities, it would have been difficult to achieve this result.”