Numia Vero Volley Milano had a strong start in the CEV Champions League quarterfinals, crushing Eczacıbaşı Dynavit Istanbul with a 3:0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-14) victory in front of an ecstatic crowd at "Allianz Cloud".

A display of strength and character

The Lombard team was decisive in every element – deadly from the service line (7 aces against 2), dominant in blocking (11 against 5), and far more effective in attack (49% against 38%).

The first set was a true lesson for the Turkish team, with Milano taking a convincing lead (10-5, 18-8, 25-18). In the second set, Eczacıbaşı showed character and managed to erase a six-point lead (17-11, 19-13, 21-20), but Paola Egonu delivered the final blow for 25-23. The third set was a mere formality – Milano dealt a crushing blow (12-5, 22-12, 25-14) and closed the match with stellar volleyball.

Individual honors

Paola Egonu was, as expected, named MVP of the match, scoring 17 points (50% in attack).

Sylla also reached double digits with 10 points, while middle blockers Danesi (10 points, 4 blocks) and Cazaute (9 points, 3 blocks, 4 aces) had monumental performances. For Eczacıbaşı, only Tijana Bošković (15 points) and Alexa Gray (11 points) managed to surpass the 10-point mark.

The return match will be played on Thursday, March 13, in Istanbul, where Milano will try to finish what they started and secure a place in the Final Four.

Match statistics:

Numia Vero Volley Milano – Eczacıbaşı Dynavit Istanbul 3:0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-14)

🏐 Numia Vero Volley Milano: Orro 5, Danesi 10, Cazaute 9, Sylla 10, Egonu 17, Davyskiba 9, Gelin (L), Fukunaga (L), Folie, Heyrman, Prandi. Did not play: Candi, Guidi, Parrocchiale. Coach: Lavarini.

🏐 Eczacıbaşı Dynavit Istanbul: Boskovic 15, Baladin 2, Jack-Kisal 4, Sahin 1, Retke 3, Plummer 3, Sebnem Akyoz (L), Erkek 2, Arici 2, Gray 11. Did not play: Ozel (L), Aydemir Akyol, Stevanovic, Nicoletti.