Six-time champions VakıfBank produced a stunning comeback to beat Vero Volley Milano 3–2 in the first leg of the Zeren Group CEV Champions League quarter-finals. After trailing 2–0 in Italy, VakıfBank secured a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg in Istanbul.
VakıfBank came from 2–0 down to defeat Vero Volley Milano 3–2 in Italy in the first leg of the Zeren Group CEV Champions League quarter-finals, taking the first step toward the Final Four.
Vero Volley Milano claimed the first two sets, 26–24 and 25–22. VakıfBank responded strongly in the third set, building a five-point lead at 13–8 with a run of consecutive points. VakıfBank maintained its advantage through the remainder of the set, with Marina Markova scoring eight points and Helena Cazaute adding five crucial points late on, as VakıfBank took the set 25–22 in 25 minutes to cut the deficit to 2–1.
Despite falling behind 3–0 early in the fourth set, VakıfBank responded with a 7–1 run to move in front. In a closely contested set, Markova again made the difference with eight points, helping VakıfBank secure another 25–22 win and send the match to a tie-break.
VakıfBank went on to win the fifth set 15–11 to complete a 3–2 victory. Marina Markova was named the match MVP after finishing with 38 points.
VakıfBank extends dominance with 7th win in 10 games
VakıfBank maintained its impressive form against Vero Volley Milano, this time securing a victory in Italy. With this latest result, the yellow and blacks have now emerged victorious in 7 out of their 10 encounters against their Italian rivals.
The second leg of the encounter is set to take place on Thursday, March 19, at VakıfBank Spor Sarayı.
VENUE: Allianz Cloud Milano
REFEREES: Dejan Rogic (Sırbistan), Yves Kalin (İsviçre)
VERO VOLLEY MİLANO: Hena Kurtagic 10, Francesca Bosio 3, Elena Pietrini 10, Anna Danesi 10, Paola Egonu 38, Rebecca Piva 5, Eleonora Fersino (L), Khalia Lanier 11
VAKIFBANK: Chiaka Ogbogu 5, Cansu Özbay 1, Marina Markova 38, Zehra Güneş 7, Tijana Boskovic 21, Helena Cazaute 17, Ayça Aykaç Altıntaş (L), Adhu Malual
SETS: 29’, 29’, 25’, 29’, 16’
SET DURATIONS: 26-24, 25-22, 22-25, 22-25, 11-15
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