The men's volleyball department of Panathinaikos started its obligations wit win in the European Cups after beating Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-2 sets, in Israel.

The “greens” returned to Europe after 10 years and got a significant victory that gives them the upper hand in view of the rematch on December 8 at the indoor of Agios Thomas in the “32” phase of the Challenge Cup.

The “clover” entered the first set strongly with Maccabi resisting until 7-7. Then, PAO increased the pace and took the first set with 13-25.

In the second set, the hosts improved their image and took a significant lead (20-13). Panathinaikos fought it and reduced it to 20-18 but Maccabi finally equalized to 1-1 (25-19).

The third set did not start positively for PAO who found themselves chasing the score (4-0) but managed to equalize at 6-6 and go ahead 12-15. The “greens” kept the difference and took the set with 18-25 making it 2-1.

In the fourth set PAO started well and the score alternated on the point constantly but Maccabi managed to take the lead again (15-22) and equalize to 2-2 (25-18).

In the tie break, both teams went point by point until 7-7 when Panathinaikos took a four-point lead (8-12) and “locked” the victory with 11-15.

Fluctuation:

1st set: 7-8, 8-16, 10-21, 13-25

2nd set: 8-7, 16-12, 21-18, 25-19

3rd set: 7-8, 14-16, 17-21, 18-25

4th set: 8-7, 16-11, 21-14, 25-18

5th set: 3-5, 7-10, 8-12, 11-15

The sets: 2-3 (13-25, 25-19, 18-25, 25-18, 11-15) at 116΄

* Maccabi’s points came from: 5 aces, 56 attacks, 8 blocks, 23 opponents ‘mistakes and Panathinaikos came from: 5 aces, 57 attacks, 10 blocks, 30 opponents’ mistakes.

MACABI (Gal Galli): Katzelenson 3 (2/5 ep., 1 ace), Ensing 22 (21/51 ep., 1 block), Batskala 11 (5/13 ep., 2 aces, 3 blocks), Hatch 8 (8/14 ff.), Foger 18 (16/31 ff., 1 ace, 1 block, 67% vs.-38% excellent), Sokolov 7 (4/19 ff., 1 ace, 2 blocks) / Eisenberg (λ, 67% υ.-43% excellent), Caringal (λ), Schtift.

PANATHINAIKOS (Dimitris Andreopoulos): Jacobsen 4 (2/3 ff., 2 blocks), Rangel 14 (8/13 ff., 1 ace, 5 blocks), Andreopoulos 17 (14/25 ff., 2 aces, 1 block, 77% vs.-45% excellent), Tailor 11 (11/28 ff., 47% vs.-26% excellent), Van de Dries 16 (14/37 ff., 1 ace, 1 block), Stalecar 8 ( 7/10 ff., 1 block) / Garas (l, 64% yp-45% excellent), Synadinos (l), Bassis 2 (1/2 ff., 1 ace).