1996… 2003… 2023! In a hot atmosphere in the packed SEF, Olympiakos turned the second final against the opponent into a party. Maccabi Tel Avivwinning the Challenge Cup and the third European trophy in its volleyball history.
The cup… was lifted prematurely after the Piraeus made it 2-0 in sets and combined with their 3-0 sets victory in Israel in the first match, they celebrated the trophy early, before the game was even over.
With a terrific 7-0 run, the spirited red-whites turned the first set (from 5-10 to 12-10) and managed to win it 25-16, paving the way for winning the trophy, while also taking the second – which they needed – with the momentum of the crowd with 25-21 for the 2-0 that decided everything!
It should be noted that the game was broadcast with the permission of ESIEA. The journalistic Unions of the whole country are carrying out a 24-hour strike!
The match:
In the first set, Olympiacos did not start well, as the Israelis believed in the reversal, taking a three-point lead (7-10). The “red and whites” with Pagenk and Gustavo raising a wall in the net equalized at 10-10, however the visitors took the lead again, making it difficult for Alberto Giuliani’s team who called a time-out. Upon their return to the taraflex, the Olympiakos players were sweeping and with a terrible 7-0 run they brought the match to 17-13 breaking the psychology of Maccabi, with the set ending with 25-16 in favor of Olympiakos.
The second set started with Olympiacos making a quick 3-0 Olympiacos run and Maccabi immediately leveling at 3-3. The Israelis made it difficult for the “red and whites” as they took the lead again with 10-9. The “red and white” were not in the mood to risk winning the trophy and with Koumentakis and Pagenk as leaders they overturned the score reaching +4 (20-16). Everything now looked easy and Alberto Giuliani’s team won the set 25-21 and “sealed” the trophy.
More in a moment, the text is updated…
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
