Panionios loses at the end, faces Greek 'civil war' in third-place match

The dream of reaching the Conference Cup final slipped through Panionios' fingers on Saturday as they suffered a heartbreaking 13-12 defeat to Italy's De Akker Bologna in a tense semi-final clash. Played at the Restio swimming pool in Palio Faliro, the match saw a passionate crowd of Panionios supporters cheering on their team, but ultimately, a lapse in concentration during the final quarter proved costly.

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Ο Πανιώνιος δεν κατάφερε να πάρει την πρόκριση στον τελικό του Conference Cup, καθώς ηττήθηκε με 13-12 από τη Ντε Άκερ Μπολόνια στον δεύτερο ημιτελικό του Final-4, που διεξήχθη στο Ρέστειο κολυμβητήριο Παλαιού Φαλήρου.

Panionios, representing the historic Nea Smyrni district, controlled the game for large stretches, even building a three-goal lead at one point. However, the Italian side, with key contributions from players like De Muro and Campopiano, mounted a comeback. The decisive moments came in the final eight minutes, where Bologna's composure allowed them to overturn the deficit and secure their place in the final.

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Η ομάδα της Νέας Σμύρνης είχε και στο πλευρό της πολλούς φιλάθλους της ομάδας, οι οποίοι εμψύχωναν συνεχώς τους υδατοσφαιριστές της ομάδας τους.

This loss means Panionios will not contest the main final but will instead face fellow Greek team Apollon Smyrnis in the bronze medal match. This 'Greek civil war' for third place adds a layer of local rivalry to the competition's conclusion. While the disappointment of missing the final is palpable, the team's performance throughout the tournament, and particularly their strong showing against a formidable Italian opponent, will be remembered. The focus now shifts to ending the competition on a high note against a familiar foe.

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Οι «κυανέρυθροι» είχαν τον έλεγχο στο μεγαλύτερο μέρος της αναμέτρησης, όμως η αδράνεια στο τελευταίο οκτάλεπτο αποδείχθηκε καθοριστική και τους κόστισε το εισιτήριο για τον τελικό.