ACH Volley Ljubljana booked their place in the CEV Cup semifinals after defeating Fenerbahce Medicana Istanbul 3–1 in the second leg of the quarterfinals at the Burhan Felek Volleyball Hall in Istanbul.
After narrowly winning the first match in Ljubljana 3–2, the Slovenian champions confirmed their progress with a strong performance on the road, advancing with two victories in the series. It marks the third time in club history that ACH Volley have reached the semifinals of Europe’s second-tier competition, keeping alive hopes of lifting the trophy again after their 2007 triumph. They will now face Italy’s Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza in the semifinals.
The hosts started the match strongly. The opening set remained level until 16–15, but Fenerbahce created separation thanks to a block and an ace from setter Fabian Drzyzga, another ace by Barthelemy Chinenyeze, and a back-row attack from Earvin Ngapeth. Opposite Adis Lagumdzija finished the set with a powerful spike to give the Turkish side a 25–19 lead.
ACH Volley regrouped quickly in the second set, led by opposite Toncek Stern. The visitors surged to a seven-point advantage early and maintained control despite a late push from Fenerbahce, who closed the gap to 21–19. The Slovenian side responded with four straight points to level the match 25–19.
The third set followed a similar pattern. Stern remained the focal point of ACH’s offense and added two serve aces, while Fenerbahce committed several unforced errors. Although the Turkish side briefly threatened late in the set, the visitors closed with three consecutive points. Pajenk again delivered the decisive attack to secure the set 25–21 and put ACH one step from victory.
After a balanced start to the fourth set at 7–7, ACH Volley took control. Their attack proved nearly unstoppable, reaching an impressive 84 percent success rate in the set. Stern continued to lead the charge as the Slovenian champions pulled away. Two consecutive aces from Stern brought up match point, and Pajenk sealed the win with another powerful finish for 25–16, completing a 3–1 victory.
Stern was named Most Valuable Player after an outstanding performance, finishing as the match’s top scorer with 30 points, including four aces and a block. Pajenk added 12 points, while captain Urnaut contributed 10.
For Fenerbahce, Adis Lagumdzija led the scoring with 18 points, while Earvin Ngapeth scored 11 and Barthelemy Chinenyeze added 10.
Result
Fenerbahce Medicana Istanbul – ACH Volley Ljubljana 1–3 (25–19, 19–25, 21–25, 16–25)
First match: ACH Volley 3–2
ACH Volley win the series 2–0
Top Scorers
- ACH Volley: Toncek Stern 30, Alen Pajenk 12, Tine Urnaut 10
- Fenerbahce: Adis Lagumdzija 18, Earvin Ngapeth 11, Barthelemy Chinenyeze 10
