In a thrilling showdown in Istanbul, VakifBank pulled off an incredible comeback, eliminating Fenerbahçe and securing their spot in the Champions League Final Four.
After losing the first match 3-0, Giovanni Guidetti’s team needed a perfect response—and they delivered. VakifBank won 3-1 (19:25, 25:23, 25:20, 26:24), forcing a golden set. Fenerbahçe seemed in control with a 6-2 lead, but VakifBank fought back, sealing a 15-11 victory in dramatic fashion.
Marina Markova was unstoppable, leading with 32 points, while Kiera Van Ryk (21) and Zehra Güneş (12, including 9 blocks!) made crucial contributions. Melissa Vargas (24), Arina Fedorovtseva (18), and Ana Cristina de Souza (16) put up a fight for Fenerbahçe, but it wasn’t enough.
Fenerbahçe had multiple chances to close out the match—a strong first-leg win, a lead in the fourth set, and even control in the golden set—but VakifBank refused to give up. With this victory, Guidetti’s squad proves once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in European volleyball.
🏐 Champions League Quarterfinals (Women’s Volleyball)
🔹 Fenerbahçe – VakifBank 1:3 (Golden Set 11:15)
🔹 First Leg: 3:0
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