The Czech capital hosted a high-profile open leg Round of 16 clash in the ETTU Champions League Men as El Niňo Praha welcomed Polish KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki. Despite the passionate home support and a spirited effort from the Prague side, the No. 3 seeds displayed their full strength and recorded 3–0 victory.
Bogoria arrived in Prague with an all-star, internationally seasoned line-up featuring Miłosz REDZIMSKI, Marek BADOWSKI, and legendary Greek defender Panagiotis GIONIS a trio that made the visitors clear favourites on paper. El Niňo Praha, fielding Yevhen PRYSHCHEPA, Tomáš KONEČNÝ, and David REITŠPIES, were determined to challenge the odds but ultimately could not halt the Polish powerhouse.
El Niňo gained early hope as REITŠPIES took the opening game with confident shot-making. But BADOWSKI quickly reset, tightening his rhythm and taking control of the match with three straight games to put Bogoria ahead.
The rising Polish star REDZIMSKI proved unstoppable. His speed, accuracy, and aggressive timing gave PRYSHCHEPA little room to breathe, securing a dominant straight-games win and doubling the visitors’ lead.
Against one of the sport’s most iconic defenders, KONEČNÝ worked patiently to break through GIONIS’ impenetrable wall of chops and counters. The Greek veteran, however, controlled every phase of play and sealed the tie for Bogoria.
“We played against them last year and we knew this is a very good team. Although we won both matches last season, it was never easy. We were prepared for a difficult encounter and ready to stay fully focused. It is not easy to play in their venue, it’s a small hall, but the crowd is very enthusiastic. We had to perform at the top of our game, and I think we gave 100 percent. Now we wait for the return leg; we are not completely out of danger, only half of job is done. We have to stayed alert” said GIONIS.
SF SKK El Niňo Praha – KS Orlen Bogoria Grodzisk Mazowiecki 0–3
- David REITŠPIES – Marek BADOWSKI 1–3 (11–7, 3–11, 4–11, 9–11)
- Yevhen PRYSHCHEPA – Miłosz REDZIMSKI 0–3 (6–11, 6–11, 6–11)
- Tomáš KONEČNÝ – Panagiotis GIONIS 0–3 (6–11, 3–11, 8–11)
