Epitsentr-Podolyany Faces Uphill Battle After First-Leg Defeat in Challenge Cup

Epitsentr-Podolyany vs. PAOK: First Leg Recap

According to Главком: In the first leg of their CEV Challenge Cup Round of 16 tie, Ukrainian champions Epitsentr-Podolyany suffered a 0-3 defeat (18:25, 21:25, 22:25) against Greek side PAOK. The match was played on January 22, 2026, in Maribor, Slovenia. The CEV Challenge Cup is a major European volleyball competition, and the Ukrainian side's path forward is now difficult but not impossible. Their hopes of advancing now hinge entirely on the return leg, scheduled for January 29 in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Path to the Quarterfinals

To secure a spot in the quarterfinals, Epitsentr-Podolyany must win the second match in Greece with a score of 3-0 or 3-1. Should the teams finish level on aggregate points, a decisive 15-point golden set will determine which club progresses. The team can draw confidence from their performance in the previous round, where they defeated Serbia's Karadjordje Topola 3-1 (25:22, 25:21, 23:25, 25:20) in the 1/16 finals.

The upcoming return leg in Greece will be decisive for Epitsentr-Podolyany, as their chance to continue the fight for the European cup title depends on their ability to adapt to the opponent's play.

This clash with PAOK will test not only the team's physical preparedness but also their psychological resilience, given the high stakes of the match in the context of European competition. The reigning Ukrainian champions intend to display their best volleyball to secure further progress in the tournament.