AEK Athens claimed a 3–1 win over Megabox Ondulati del Savio Vallefoglia in the first leg of the CEV Challenge Cup Round of 16, delivering a major surprise on the European stage.
AEK controlled the first two sets with strong attacking efficiency and steady defensive pressure. Burtea, Kyparissi and Yüzgenç led the Greek side as it took the opening frames 25–15 and 25–17. Vallefoglia struggled to generate consistent offense, finishing the first set with a 16% attack rate and improving only slightly in the second.
Vallefoglia responded in the third set after head coach Fabio Pistola adjusted the lineup. Giovannini delivered seven points on 71% hitting, while Butigan and Bici contributed at the net. The Italian club built a comfortable lead and closed the set 25–16.
AEK regained control early in the fourth set, moving ahead 6–2, but Vallefoglia pulled even at 10–10 and briefly took the lead. The hosts broke the set open with a 5–0 run behind Kavvadia’s serve, securing a 25–22 finish and the match.
Yüzgenç led all scorers with 19 points for AEK, while Burtea added 14 and Kyparissi 12. Bici finished with 12 points for Vallefoglia, followed by Butigan with 7 and Giovannini with 6.
Vallefoglia will need a straight-set win in the return leg next Wednesday to force a Golden Set and keep its Challenge Cup hopes alive.
