Kuutio Homes Pafiakos falls to Mladost Zagreb in Champions League qualifier

On October 20, 2026, the Cypriot champions Kuutio Homes Pafiakos hosted the Croatian team Mladost Zagreb in the first leg of the first qualifying round of the CEV Men's Champions League. The match, held at the Aphrodite indoor arena in Paphos, marked the first time the club hosted a Champions League qualifier on home soil, with over 700 spectators in attendance.

The visiting team secured a 1-3 victory in sets. Mladost Zagreb won the first set 21-25, but the home side managed to equalize by taking the second set 25-21. The visitors regained control in the following sets, winning them 21-25 and 23-25 respectively. Despite strong performances from the team coached by Yiannis Platritis, who recently reinforced their roster with international talent, they were unable to overcome the Croatian side's tactical advantage.

Following this result, Pafiakos must now prepare for the return leg, which is scheduled to take place in Zagreb in one week. The Cypriot team will need a win to challenge for a spot in the next round, where the victor of this series is set to face Levski Sofia of Bulgaria. The team is looking to replicate their successful 2024-25 European campaign.