Olympiacos got a great result against Kirishi in Russia for the first game of the round 8 taking an advantage for the qualification to the final4 of Euroleague. In the first game of the quarter-finals, the ‘’Reds’’ had an excellent performance and could win the game. The women’s water polo team will have the opportunity to secure the qualification for fourth consecutive time in the rematch held in Papastrateio on March 16th. As far as the game is concerned, the two teams proved why are among the top ones of the competition. Olympiacos was back to the score with two goals for three times and achieved to equalise but also led with 9-7 in the third period. However, the Russians run a 3-0 streak at the start of the fourth period taking the lead but Asimaki scored for the final 10-10. 

Key action: 

In the first period, Olympiacos conceded two goals by Ryzhkova. In this time, the ‘’Reds’’ failed to exploit the woman-up twice and Kirishi once. At the start of the second quarter, Olympiacos reacted and found offensive solutions with Eggens and Asimaki equalising the game. The hosts "replied" with Ivanov and Diachenko for 4-2. However, the ‘’Legend’’ reacted again with the goals of Plevritou and Asimaki and the first half ended 4-4. 

The third quarter started with a goal by Simanovic giving the lead to Kirishi again. Prokofyeva increased the margin to +2 for the Russians. Eggens reduced to 6-5 and Alexandra Asimaki tied to 6-6. The ‘’Reds’’ improved their performance and went ahead 6-7 with the goal of Asimaki. Krimmer drew the game but Emmolo gave the lead to Olympiacos again and Tsoukala boosted the difference to +2 (7-9). It was an excellent quarter for the ‘’Reds’’ leading with 5-3. In the last period, Kirishi reacted and run a 3-0 streak to go ahead. Asimaki replied and scored for 10-10 two minutes before the end of the game which was the final score. Olympiacos has an advantage to qualify to the final-four. 

Match data: 

The quarters:  2-0, 2-4, 3-5, 3-1

Goals: 

1st quarter: 1-0 Ryzhkova (04:45), 2-0 Ryzhkova (00:58)

2nd quarter: 2-1 Eggens (06:30), 2-2 Asimaki (05:52), 3-2 Ivanova (03:17), 4-2 Diachenko (02:13), 4-3 M. Plevritou (01:52), 4-4 Asimaki (00:29)

3rd quarter: 5-4 Simanovic (07:49), 6-4 Prokofyeva (07:02), 6-5 Eggens (06:180, 6-6 Asimaki (05:38), 6-7 Asimaki (04:49), 7-7 Krimer (04:20), 7-8 Emmolo (01:04), 7-9 Tsoukala (00:03)

4th quarter: 8-9 Prokofyeva (06:37), 9-9 Diachenko (03:31), 10-9 Diachenko (02:57), 10-10 Asimaki (01:45)

Squads: 

Kinef Kirishi (Aleksandr Kabanov): Karnaukh, Zubkova, Prokofyeva 2, Simanovich 1, Diachenko 3, Krimer 1, Khamzaeva, Kirilcheva, Iakusheva, Soboleva, Ivanova, Ryzhkova 2, Smykova

Olympiacos (Teocharis Pavlides): Diamantopoulou, El. Plevritou, Eggens 2, Eleftheriadou, Manolioudaki, Avramidou, Asimaki 5, M. Plevritou 1, Emmolo 1, B. Plevritou, Tsoukala 1, Myriokefalitaki, Stamatopoulou 

Quotes: 

Asimaki stated: ‘’Generally, it was a good performance. During the game, when we were ahead with two goals, it was clear that we could win. We didn’t start well but we showed our passion and refused to lose the game. We conceded a goal by a bad offensive attempt but I think that the draw is a good result. Everything will be different at our home in Piraeus. We will be more concentrated and we have proven that it is difficult for anyone to beat us there. Surely, we did many mistakes that we have to improve, we have the quality to do it and I am sure that we will be better.’’