Olympiacos Beat Benfica in Dramatic Challenge Cup Comeback

by · Greek City Times

Olympiacos staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Benfica 3-2 in the first leg of their CEV Volleyball Challenge Cup tie at Rentis, keeping their hopes of reaching the round of 32 alive.

Led by an outstanding performance from Bannister, who scored 34 points, the Greek side recovered from a two-set deficit to win 16-25, 23-25, 25-15, 25-22, 15-10 after 139 minutes of play.

Benfica took the first two sets, but Olympiacos dramatically raised their level in the third, dominating the remainder of the match to complete the turnaround.

Branko Kovacevic’s team must now pursue victory in the return leg in Portugal. If Olympiacos lose, the tie will go to a golden set to decide which team advances.

Match statistics

Final score: Olympiacos 3-2 Benfica
Set scores: 16-25, 23-25, 25-15, 25-22, 15-10

Olympiacos scored through six aces, 65 attack points, nine blocks and 24 opponent errors. Benfica recorded six aces, 61 attack points, seven blocks and 23 opponent errors.

Olympiacos player points

  • Bannister: 34 points
  • Mlejnkova: 15
  • Terzoglou: 10
  • Trambali: 9
  • Krivosiska: 8
  • Schaffmeister: 3
  • Konstantinou: 1

Benfica player points

  • Mayara: 25 points
  • Santos: 18
  • Garces J.: 12
  • Souza: 11
  • Van de Vyver: 4
  • Ferreira: 3
  • Bednarek: 1

(Source: AMNA)

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