PAOK secured their second win of the season over Panathinaikos with a dramatic 3-2 victory in Thessaloniki, just days before the two sides meet again in the Greek Cup quarterfinal.
After dropping the opening set 16-25, PAOK responded strongly to level the match 25-23 and take the third set 25-21. Panathinaikos forced a tie-break by winning the fourth 25-21, setting up a tense decider.
In the fifth set, the visitors held two match points at 14-12, but Fernando Hernandez turned the tide. The Cuban opposite delivered in crucial moments, finishing with 24 points, including key blocks late in the match. PAOK completed the comeback 17-15 to seal the 3-2 win after 133 minutes.
PAOK libero Menélaos Kokkinákiswas named MVP.
Top Scorers:
- PAOK: Hernandez 24, Kovacevic 20
- Panathinaikos: Nielsen 28, Yanchuk 18
Standings provided by Sofascore
