VakifBank booked their place in the CEV Champions League Final Four after overcoming Numia Vero Volley Milano in a tense five-set quarterfinal clash on home court.
Backed by 2,850 fans at VakifBank Spor Sarayı, the Turkish powerhouse showed resilience and composure to claim a 3-2 victory.
VakifBank opened strongly, taking the first set with confidence, but Milano responded immediately to level the match. The hosts regained control in the third set, only for the Italian side to push back once more and force a deciding tie-break after a closely contested fourth.
In the final set the home side held steady under pressure and capitalized in key moments to pull ahead late and secure the win.
Marina Markova led VakifBank’s offense with 23 points, equaling the output of Milano’s Paola Egonu. Tijana Boskovic, named MVP of the match, added 17 points.
With the victory, VakifBank return to the Final Four once again, where they will look to continue their pursuit of another Champions League title in front of their home supporters in Istanbul.
Result:
VakifBank Istanbul (TUR) def. Numia Vero Volley Milano (ITA) 3-2 (25-22, 16-25, 25-16, 23-25, 15-12)
