The derby between the champions of the 2021/22 season, Panathinaikos, and the pioneer and so far only undefeated Olympiakos, dominates the program of the 6 ).

The Greens will play their first derby in front of their fans in Agios Thomas for the first time, having played without spectators due to their punishment against PAOK and Phoenix ONEX. After the 3-0 defeat against Milona and the lost point in Orestiada, they want to use the home game and get closer to the leader Olympiakos, who has already built up a lead with +4 points. Panathinaikos shares 3rd place with Milos and Kifisia with 10 points.

The game is awaited with great interest due to the confrontation between the two explosive Cubans of the two centuries, Hernandez of Panathinaikos and Hidalgo of Olympiakos. Panathinaikos has a 5-0 winning streak against Olympiacos.

Panathinaikos libero Vassilis Kostopoulos said: “On Saturday we face Olympiakos for the continuation of the first game of the Volleyleague. It’s a game with its own meaning outside of the three points. I believe that the game will be decisively decided by the service game of both teams. It will certainly be a very demanding game and I believe that together with the strength of our fans we will achieve the best possible“.

Panathinaikos center Lukas Rangel said: “On Saturday night we have another very important game for the championship that has the same importance as all games. We are prepared and always ready, especially for games with a derby character. We expect our fans to support us and, as always, give us the push and energy we need to win the game“.

Olympiacos want the win for prestige, of course, but also to secure a huge points advantage for first place in the regular season. The red and white are significantly stronger than last year and also want to break the green series of 5 wins in a row. Almerto Giuliani’s team has 14 points in 5 games with the only loss being the point they had left in Orestiada. They are the only undefeated team in the league.

Olympiacos Italian coach Alberto Giuliani said: “I don’t want to hide our ambitions that we want to win. To victory! However, we know that this game will be very important for the opposition as they are at the bottom of the table. So, as always, I expect a very difficult game for which we will be prepared“.

Italian Olympiacos passer Dragan Travica said: “Everyone knows that Saturday’s game is an important one for many reasons! This week we worked hard to prepare for the game and try to play good volleyball putting all our hearts into the court. Panathinaikos is a very good team with very good players, so we have to do our best to win to make our fans happy too“.

Olympiacos international Anestis Dalakouras said: “We have a difficult game ahead of us against Panathinaikos. A derby that will give the winner a great psychological boost. We know the importance of this game. Our team is in good form and we want to show that on another matchday“.

Since 1998, when the new scoring system was introduced, there have been 73 league games and Olympiacos leads 45-28 wins. Panathinaikos has a 5-0 winning streak against Olympiacos.