Vouliagmeni took a major step towards ending Olympiacos’ long-standing dominance in Greek women’s water polo, winning a nerve-shredding third final in the A1 Play-Offs on Tuesday evening. In front of their home crowd at Laimos, Kiki Liosi’s side edged out Olympiacos 14-12 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 10-10 draw in regular time — giving them a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
The fourth match will be held on Thursday 29 May at 19:30 at the Papastrateio Swimming Pool in Piraeus. Should Olympiacos level the series, the decisive fifth final will return to Laimos on Saturday 31 May at 16:30.
Olympiacos start strong, but Vouliagmeni claw back
The game began with Olympiacos firmly in control. The Red-and-Whites were sharper in attack, quickly racing to leads of 1-3, 2-4, and 3-5. However, Vouliagmeni gradually found their rhythm — particularly in defence. A key 3-0 scoring run turned the game on its head, putting the hosts 6-5 ahead just two minutes before the half-time break.
From that moment on, the momentum shifted. While Olympiacos kept pushing, Vouliagmeni held their lead for much of the second half. It looked as if they might close the game out in regulation, but Olympiacos’ Christina Siouti struck a crucial equaliser with just over three minutes to play, sending the final into penalties.
Nerves of steel at the shootout
In the shootout, Vouliagmeni were clinical — converting all five of their penalties. Olympiacos faltered, with misses from Vasiliki Plevritou and Fotini Tricha proving costly. It was a composed and disciplined finish from Liosi’s side, who now stand on the brink of a historic title.
The stakes could not be higher for the fourth game on Thursday. A win for Vouliagmeni will crown them champions and mark the end of Olympiacos’ 12-year reign at the top of Greek women’s water polo. But defeat will force a dramatic winner-takes-all fifth match — and Olympiacos will be desperate to keep their dynasty alive.
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