In a dramatic Turkish derby from the Champions League group stage, the "Bulgarian" Halkbank Ankara prevailed over Galatasaray HDI Istanbul after a true volleyball thriller that lasted 156 minutes.
Match flow
The hosts from Ankara started more focused and set the pace already in the first set. After its midpoint, Halkbank built a lead which they maintained until the end for 25:18. The second set unfolded in a similar scenario ", "stable serving, better organization in attack, and another 25:19.
With their backs against the wall, Galatasaray's volleyball players changed their approach. They improved their block-defense, increased the number of saved balls in defense, and reduced unforced errors, which allowed them to get back into the match after 25:18 in the third set.
The fourth set turned into a true marathon ", "51 minutes of battle, in which parity was maintained until long extensions. Galatasaray had an advantage in serving (0:2 aces) and blocking (4:6), and scored one point more than Halkbank in attack. Despite more unforced errors (11:8 in favor of Rado Stoichev's team), the guests showed mental resilience and snatched the set with 37:35, to take the match to a tie-break.
In the decisive fifth set, Galatasaray took a minimal lead at 11:12, but Halkbank's more concentrated attack and two key blocks in the most crucial moments tipped the scales. Thus, Kaziyski and company closed the tie-break at 18:16 and celebrated a valuable victory.
Individual performances
Matey Kaziyski played a strong match and finished with 26 points, +4, 77% positive and 32% perfect reception, 2 blocks, and 55% attack efficiency.
However, Yoandy Leal was the top performer with 29 points, +22, 3 aces, 4 blocks, and 51% in attack.
Marek Sotola added 16 points for the win.
For Galatasaray, Jean Patry was the top scorer with 23 points, while Stephen Maar finished with one point less.
Tsvetan Sokolov did not play in the match.
Team Statistics ", "Halkbank Ankara vs Galatasaray HDI Istanbul
| Category | Halkbank Ankara | Galatasaray HDI Istanbul |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks | 15 | 16 |
| Attack efficiency | 50% | 49% |
| Aces | 7 | 6 |
| Total points | 89 | 85 |
| Points from opponent's errors | 33 | 30 |
| Match duration | 156 minutes | |
The numbers clearly show how evenly matched and exhausting the derby was. Galatasaray had a minimal advantage in blocks (16:15), which explains their strong comeback in the match after the first two sets. Halkbank, however, compensated with higher attack efficiency (50% vs 49%) and a slight superiority in service (7:6 aces), which proved decisive in key moments.
The 'points from opponent's errors' statistic is particularly indicative – 33 for Halkbank against 30 for Galatasaray. These three points difference practically translate directly into the final result and highlight the better concentration of the capital team in crucial rallies. And the 156 minutes of play are eloquent proof that the match was not only a technical but also a physical and mental test at the highest level.
The victory gives Halkbank a serious advantage in the group and once again underscores the role of experience and class in the decisive moments of big matches.
photos: cev.eu
