The visitors from Lisbon have only lost one match in their own competition this season, and they immediately showed that in the first set. Thanks to some serving errors by the home team, they quickly take a five-point lead, 8-13. Menen fails to close that gap and loses the opening set with clear numbers: 18-25.
In the second set Lisbon seems to continue in the same strong rhythm. Yet a dubious challenge brings a turnaround for Menen. The home team regains its aggression and fights back into the set. With a score of 18-16, Menen even takes a small lead. Lisbon quickly turns the tide and with some powerful serves the visitors take the lead again, 18-20. Menen can no longer hold on and also has to leave the second set to Lisbon, this time with 21-25.
The third set follows a similar scenario. The Portuguese continue to serve strongly and build another five-point lead halfway through the set, 9-14. Menen fails to get closer, and Lisbon no longer relinquishes control. The visitors convincingly win the first leg 0-3.
The second leg is scheduled for Lisbon in two weeks. Menen will then have to win 0-3 or 1-3 to enforce a golden set.