Panathinaikos moved a step closer to the CEV Challenge Cup final after defeating Panionios 3–1 in the first leg of their all-Greek semifinal at a sold-out Mets Indoor Hall.
Alessandro Chiappini’s side now need just two sets in next Wednesday’s return match in Nea Smyrni (Feb. 25) to secure a place in the club’s third European final.
The hosts took control early, claiming the first set 25–18. Panionios responded in a dramatic second set, saving multiple set points before edging it 29–27 to level the match. Panathinaikos regained momentum in the third set, pulling away late to win 25–22, before sealing the victory with another 25–18 in the fourth.
Monika Lampkowska led the scoring for Panathinaikos with 19 points, followed by Haylie Bennett with 18, including six blocks. Micaya White added 16. For Panionios, Elitsa Atanasijevic stood out with 24 points.
Set Scores: 25–18, 27–29, 25–22, 25–18.
