Portugal’s volleyball team stumbled out of the gate in the European Golden League, falling to Spain 1-3.
The match was a see-saw battle, with Portugal’s best stretch coming in the third set.
Spain took the first set 25-21, then the second 25-18.
Portugal pushed back, winning the third set 25-19.
The final set was a nail-biter, with Spain edging out Portugal 26-24.
In the Greek city of Arta, Portugal’s team, led by João José, struggled to find their rhythm.
Spain jumped out to an early 9-5 lead, but Portugal fought back to trail by just one point, 9-8.
The Spanish team regained their footing, though, and pulled ahead 18-13.
They maintained that lead for the rest of the set.
The second set was even rockier for Portugal.
Spain sprinted out to a 5-1 lead, but Portugal slowly climbed back.
Kelton Tavares, making his debut, landed an ace to put Portugal ahead 14-13.
Spain countered with a 12-5 run to take the set 25-18.
Down 2-0, Portugal regrouped and dominated the third set.
They strung together five straight points to take control, 24-18, and won the set 25-19.
In the fourth set, Spain built a 17-13 lead, but Portugal battled back.
The set came down to the wire, with Spain scoring the winning point after a Portuguese receiving error.
Nuno Marques led Portugal’s attack with 16 points.
Kelton Semedo added 11, and Filip Cveticanin chipped in 10.
For Spain, Jordi Rámon Ferragut scored 16 points, and Vitor RodrÃguez Pérez contributed 14.
Next up for Portugal is a showdown with host Greece on Sunday at 17:00.
Greece is coming off a 3-1 win over Spain in the tournament’s first round.