Olympiacos Piraeus Women edged Benfica Women 3-2 in a dramatic Challenge Cup Women encounter on 28 October 2026, winning the deciding set 15-10 after a match full of momentum swings. The Greek side showed composure under pressure, recovering from losing the second and fourth sets to close out a narrow but important European victory.

Match overview

Olympiacos made the stronger start, taking the opening set 25-23 in a tight finish. Benfica responded well, leveling the match with a 25-22 win in the second. The hosts then produced their most convincing volleyball of the night, claiming the third set 25-18, only for Benfica to force a decider by taking the fourth 25-21. In the tie-break, Olympiacos re-established their serving pressure and controlled the final phase to win 15-10.

The match reflected the quality and unpredictability of European cup volleyball. Both teams had periods of attacking superiority, and the contest was shaped by small shifts in reception, blocking and error management. Olympiacos’ ability to reset after losing the fourth set proved decisive.

Key moments

• First-set edge: Olympiacos won a tense opening set 25-23, converting their chances in the closing points and setting an early benchmark.
• Benfica’s response: The Portuguese side took the second 25-22, increasing their service pressure and finding better attacking balance.
• Third-set control: Olympiacos produced a dominant 25-18 third set, combining a strong block with efficient transition attacks.
• Fourth-set setback: Benfica refused to fade, taking the fourth 25-21 to force a decider and put the pressure back on the hosts.
• Tie-break finish: Olympiacos moved ahead early in the fifth and held their nerve, closing out the match 15-10.

Tactical story

Olympiacos’ serving was their most important weapon. When they kept the ball deep and disrupted Benfica’s first tempo, the Greek side’s block was able to set up more effectively and force the visitors into difficult wing attacks. The setter also used the middle well in transition, preventing Benfica’s defence from loading up on the outside hitters.

Benfica’s best spells came when they managed to slow down Olympiacos’ serve-receive and create chances from the block. Their second and fourth-set wins were built on better first-contact quality and more aggressive serving. In the fifth set, however, Olympiacos regained the initiative from the service line and made fewer errors in the key rallies.

Standout performers

Olympiacos’ opposite hitter delivered important points in the tight sets, while the middle blockers made a clear impact at the net. The libero was also influential in keeping rallies alive during Benfica’s strongest periods. In the deciding set, the team’s collective discipline stood out more than any individual moment.

Benfica Women showed real character to force a fifth set. Their outside hitters carried much of the attacking load, and their block produced timely points in the second and fourth sets. The visitors will be disappointed with the final set but can take encouragement from the way they competed across the match.

European outlook

The 3-2 victory gives Olympiacos Piraeus Women a valuable advantage heading into the return leg of the Challenge Cup Women tie. While the margin is narrow, the manner of the win — particularly the response in the fifth set — should strengthen confidence. Benfica remain very much in the tie, but they will need to improve their serving consistency and reduce errors in the decisive phases to overturn the deficit.