Fenerbahçe and coach Marcello Abbondanza, who is also the head coach of Bulgaria, are going through a difficult period after the team was eliminated in the semifinals of the Turkish Cup. The "Yellow Canaries" lost to their big rival Eczacıbaşı Dynavit with a score of 1:3 (22:25, 17:25, 25:22, 31:33) and ended their participation one step away from the final.

The defeat comes as a continuation of a negative streak for the Istanbul giants, who were eliminated from European club tournaments just days ago. At that time, Fenerbahçe dramatically exited in the quarterfinals against Italian Scandicci after a golden set, which dealt a serious psychological blow to the team.
In Ankara, the scenario was once again not in favor of Abbondanza's squad. Eczacıbaşı dominated the first two sets, taking advantage of Fenerbahçe's reception inconsistencies and game organization. Despite the reaction in the third set, when the "Yellow Canaries" reduced their deficit, the fourth set turned into a new disappointment – missed opportunities and nerves in key moments led to the dramatic 31:33.
Thus, within a short period, Fenerbahçe lost both of its main goals outside the league – first in Europe, and now in the Cup tournament. The pressure on Marcello Abbondanza will inevitably increase, especially given the expectations for a star-studded squad.
On the other hand, Eczacıbaşı demonstrated stability in crucial moments and deservedly qualified for the final, where they will contend for the trophy with VakıfBank.
For Fenerbahçe, only the battle in the championship remains, but after two consecutive heavy blows, the question is how much the team will manage to recover mentally and in terms of play in the most important part of the season.

Photos:tvf.org.trandfenerbahce.org