Fenerbahçe Medicana one step away from the Champions League semifinals!

Fenerbahçe Medicana Istanbul made a strong bid for a spot among the top four in the Champions League after crushing Vakıfbank 3-0 as visitors in the first leg of the quarterfinals. The Istanbul giant left little chance for their opponents, showcasing an impressive performance in decisive moments.

The derby that shook Istanbul

👉 Vakıfbank Istanbul – Fenerbahçe Medicana Istanbul 0:3
(21:25, 23:25, 27:29)

The most tense was the third set, in which Vakıfbank tried to get back into the game, even having two set points, but Fenerbahçe showed composure and closed the match after having two match points, and video check had to determine whose advantage it was twice.

Statistics and heroines of the match

⭐ Marina Markova was the top scorer for Vakıfbank and in the match with 22 points (3 aces), while Chiaka Ogbogu added 16 (2 aces, 2 blocks). Despite their efforts, no other teammate managed to break the 10-point barrier, which proved insufficient against Fenerbahçe's powerful squad.

🔥 Arina Fedorovtseva shone for the winners, recording 18 points (3 aces, 1 block) and 52% attack efficiency. Fedorovtseva was named the most valuable player of the match.
💥 Melissa Vargas added a crucial 14 points (1 block), and Ana Cristina contributed 11 (1 ace, 1 block).

The Bulgarian footprint

🏐 Hristina Vučkova played in all three sets, finishing with 1 point from a block. She attacked the ball twice without achieving a result. The Bulgarian made 10 serves, some of which seriously challenged Vakıfbank's reception. Vučkova also made a great defense at a crucial moment in the second set.

What's next?

With this emphatic victory, Fenerbahçe Medicana is closer to the semifinals. The return leg will be a real battle, but with such a performance, the "yellow-blues" look unshakeable. They need two sets to qualify for the Final Four, which will be in Istanbul on May 3rd and 4th.

Will Vakıfbank manage to make a comeback or will Fenerbahçe close the series? We eagerly await the return leg, which is on Wednesday, March 12, at the Burhan Felek Vestel Hall! 🔥🏐