Olympiacos one win away from Championship after 13–12 thriller gainst Vouliagmeni

Olympiacos Piraeus are just one win away from clinching the 2024–25 Greek Men’s Water Polo Championship and completing the domestic double, following a dramatic 13–12 away victory over Vouliagmeni in the second final of the A1 playoff series. Led by an outstanding performance from Krisztián Manhercz Zalánki, who netted six goals, the Red-and-Whites now lead the best-of-five series 2–0.

Having already secured the Greek Cup, Olympiacos showed their hunger for more silverware with a strong start and impressive composure under pressure. After taking a 7–3 lead midway through the second period, Giorgos Drosos’ team absorbed a spirited comeback from the home side and held their nerve in a tense final quarter to edge ahead once more.

The third game is scheduled for Saturday (May 24) at 19:00 at the Papastrateio Pool in Piraeus, where Olympiacos will aim to seal the title with a 3–0 series sweep.

Olympiacos led 4–3 after the first period and extended their advantage to 7–3 in the second, thanks to goals from Fountoulis, Gillas, and a sharp man-up finish by Zalánki. Despite a late push by Vouliagmeni, including multiple goals from Ath. Kastrinakis, Olympiacos maintained control through the third quarter with a slim 11–9 lead — capped off by Zalánki’s sixth goal with just 1:27 left in the frame.

Vouliagmeni battled back to level the score at 11–11 early in the fourth period, but Olympiacos replied through Fountoulis and Genidounias, the latter converting a crucial penalty with 48 seconds left. Vouliagmeni’s Kalogeropoulos pulled one back with 27 seconds to go, but it wasn’t enough to deny Olympiacos the win.

Teams:

Vouliagmeni (Coach: Vladimir Vujasinović):
Andreadis, Chalyvopoulos, Tottis (1), Kalogeropoulos (2), Almyras (1), Ubovic (1), Chatzis (1), K. Levantis, Ath. Kastrinakis (5), Belessis, Spahic (1), Giannatos, Ch. Levantis, N. Kastrinakis, Patsilinakos

Olympiacos (Coach: Giorgos Drosos):
Zerdevas, Gillas (1), Genidounias (2), Fountoulis (3), Gouvis, Zalánki (6), Boushlie, Alafragkis, Kakaris, Nikolaidis, Dimou (1), Tzortzatos, Pouros, Lykoudis