A true volleyball thriller unfolded in front of nearly 5000 spectators at the "Allianz Cloud" hall in Milan in the first quarterfinal of the Women's Champions League. Italian team Vero Volley Milano took a two-set lead, but Turkish giant VakifBank Istanbul made an impressive comeback and won 3:2 (24:26, 22:25, 25:22, 25:22, 15:11), thus gaining a significant advantage before the return leg.
The Milan team started with a whirlwind performance and dictated the events in the first two sets, led by a phenomenal Paola Egonu. The Italian opposite hitter scored 24 points by the end of the second set and ultimately finished the match with 38. Stable defensive play from libero Eleonora Fersino, as well as significant contributions from Anna Danesi, Elena Pietrini, and Rebecca Piva, helped the hosts gain a solid lead.
Despite the tough start, Giovanni Guidetti's volleyball players remained calm and continued to play point for point. Gradually, the Turkish team found its rhythm, equalized the game in attack, and started winning long rallies.
At the core of the comeback was Marina Markova, who scored 37 points and was merciless in the most intense moments, especially in the tie-break. Tijana Bošković added 20 points, and former Milan player Helena Cazaute finished with 19.
In the decisive fifth set, VakifBank showed more composure. Markova executed several key attacks, and the Turkish team closed out the match at 15:11.
The return leg is on March 19 in Istanbul, where Milan will need to seek a victory to keep their chances of qualifying for the Final Four alive.
Individual Statistics
Milan: Paola Egonu – 38 points, Khalia Lanier – 11, Anna Danesi – 10, Elena Pietrini – 10.
VakifBank: Marina Markova – 37 points, Tijana Bošković – 20, Helena Cazaute – 19, Chiaka Ogbogu – 5.
Markova was named MVP of the match.
The match turned into a duel between the two great stars – Egonu and Markova. The Italian was unstoppable in the first two sets, but in the decisive moments, it was Markova who tipped the scales in favor of the Turkish team. The support from Bošković and Cazaute also proved crucial for the complete comeback.
Team Statistics
| Category | Milan | VakifBank |
|---|---|---|
| Attack Efficiency | 44% | 50% |
| Blocks | 12 | 7 |
| Aces | 5 | 3 |
The numbers show an interesting balance. Milan had an advantage in blocking and serving, but VakifBank compensated with better efficiency in attack. It was the higher percentage in attack and stability in long rallies that allowed the Turkish team to turn the match around and gain a psychological advantage before the return leg in Istanbul.
photos: cev.eu
