Galatasaray Daikin Istanbul secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Reale Mutua Fenera Chieri’76 in the first leg of the women’s CEV Cup final in Turin, gaining a slight advantage ahead of next week’s match in Istanbul.
In front of nearly 4,000 fans at the Gianni Asti Sports Palace, the Turkish side prevailed 25-18, 20-25, 25-18, 18-25, 20-18 after a dramatic tie-break.
Galatasaray made a strong start, with Alexia Ioana Carutasu and Myriam Sylla leading the attack to take the opening set. Chieri responded through Anett Németh to level the match, before the visitors regained control in the third. The Italian side forced a decider with a dominant fourth set, powered by Stella Nervini, setting up a tense finish.
In the tie-break, momentum swung repeatedly, but Galatasaray held their nerve, saving four match points before sealing victory. Carutasu led all scorers with 28 points and was named MVP.
Chieri’s Németh finished with 23 points, while Nervini added 16 in a closely contested encounter.
The return leg is scheduled for April 8 in Istanbul, where the CEV Cup title will be decided.