PAOK storm into #CEVChallengeCupM 8th Finals with compelling home victory
News
PAOK THESSALONIKI has progressed to the 8th Finals of the men’s CEV Challenge Cup after defeating Spain’s CV San Roque LAS PALMAS 3-0 in the return match of the 16th Finals.
PAOK started the first set strongly, taking the lead after a 4-4 tie with a 4-0 run to make it 8-4. With consistent play, PAOK extended their advantage to 12-6. Midway through the set, a 3-0 run from 14-9 to 17-9 gave them a clear cushion, which they maintained through to the final stretch, reaching 20-12. With consecutive points from Dimitrios Mouchlias, PAOK gained a crucial lead at 22-14 and secured the set 25-17 to make it 1-0.
The second set began with an unfortunate injury to Aleksandar Ljaftov at 5-4. Coach Josko Milenkoski brought in Vasileios Mouchlias as a substitute, as PAOK’s outside hitter was sidelined. Despite an early lead of 12-8, the set became tied at 13-13. PAOK reacted well, regaining a three-point advantage at 18-15. The visitors narrowed the gap to 20-19, but PAOK created three set points at 24-21 following an attack by Vasileios Mouchlias. San Roque saved one at 24-22, but Dimitrios Mouchlias closed the set at 25-22, making it 2-0.
PAOK started strong in the third set too, leading 10-7. They maintained a three-point advantage at 15-12, but the visitors leveled at 15-15 with a 3-0 run. The teams remained neck and neck at 17-17 until PAOK regained the lead with two consecutive points from Leonardo Ferreira do Nascimento, making it 19-17. San Roque responded with a 0-2 run to tie at 19-19, but PAOK broke away with two points from Nascimento and a San Roque error, pushing the score to 22-19. PAOK capitalised on their momentum and, with Dimitrios Mouchlias leading, the hosts secured the set 25-22 and the match 3-0.
Key players in PAOK’s victory included Dimitrios Mouchlias, Leonardo Nascimento, and Ioannis Takouridis. On the San Roque side, Anderson Grossi and Mauro Fuentes stood out offensively.
Wessel Keemink“Our team gained confidence point by point and set by set. This was a magnificent qualification for us. Even with the injury and Ljaftov’s absence, we remained focused and managed to secure the much-desired qualification.”
Setter of PAOK
Josko Milenkoski, head coach of PAOK: “It is tough to play European games because each one presents its own challenges. We were very good in Las Palmas, but we also had to stay focused today to secure the qualification. After the first set, we played as I wanted, and we achieved the qualification. Of course, Ljaftov’s injury is a significant blow, and we will evaluate its severity, but Mouchlias replaced him admirably. Now we turn our attention to the Greek Championship, where we need to showcase even better form to secure the wins we want. European matches give us easier victories, which help boost the team’s confidence. In the next round, we will face another manageable opponent, one I believe we can overcome. The Greek Championship is becoming increasingly competitive, with tough venues like those of Milonas and OFI. However, we have high aspirations, and we need to prove that. Last year, we had a similarly slow start, but we improved and won the Super Cup. Therefore, this year, we can aim for a similar achievement.”
Alberto Rodríguez Guerra“In the first set, PAOK served very well, and we struggled with our reception. Later, PAOK reduced the intensity of their serves, thus allowing us to execute our game. We need to improve our attack, especially in the final points of close sets. In this aspect, we were inferior to PAOK, but in other areas, we performed excellently.”
Head coach of CV San Roque LAS PALMAS