VakıfBank Istanbul produced a sensational comeback for the ages, overturning a two-set deficit to defeat Imoco Conegliano 3–2 and secure a spot in the final of the CEV Zeren Group Champions League Final Four 2026.
In a pulsating 144-minute semifinal at the packed Ülker Sports Arena, the Turkish powerhouse roared back from 22–25 and 18–25 losses to claim the next three sets 29–27, 25–23, 15–11.
Conegliano dominated early putting one foot in the final. But VakıfBank flipped the script in a dramatic third set, surviving multiple match points to edge it 29–27 and ignite a stunning turnaround.
Driven by a commanding display from Tijana Bošković, who hammered 33 points, and Marina Markova, who added 31, VakıfBank seized control in the closing stages. Their dominance at the net, outblocking their opponents 9–5, proved decisive in the final stretch.
Conegliano’s resistance, powered by Isabelle Haak (20 points), Gabi (18), and Zhu Ting (16), faded under relentless pressure despite narrowly winning the total points tally 111–109.
VakıfBank now marches into the final where they will face the winner of Eczacıbaşı Dynavit versus Savino Del Bene Scandicci.
