A scenario straight out of the most dramatic pages of the Champions League. Vakifbank Istanbul came back from 0:2 to defeat Conegliano 3:2 (22:25, 18:25, 29:27, 25:23, 15:11), inflicting a painful blow to the Italians' ambitions to defend the trophy. The match turned around thanks to two unstoppable figures – Tijana Bošković (34 pts) and Marina Markova (31 pts), who literally rewrote the history of the game.
The start was under the control of the "Panthers". In the first set, they withstood the initial pressure and, with more stable play in attack and reception, reached 25:22. The second set was entirely dictated by Conegliano – Sarah Fahr dominated at the net, and the team built a lead, closing it at 25:18 for a 2:0 score.
The third set became the turning point – pure volleyball drama. Conegliano maintained control almost throughout the set, and after 16:12 reached 20:17, and a little later, 22:20. At this moment, the match seemed decided, but Vakifbank found the strength to come back through Bošković and Markova – 22:21. At 22:24, the first two match points for the Italians arrived, but both were saved – first with a powerful serve by Bošković, and then after a shaky reception, ending with a block by Ogbogu for 24:24. Conegliano got another chance at 24:25, but Bošković was flawless again – 25:25. Fahr put the Italians ahead – 25:26, but Vakifbank held firm and equalized – 26:26. In the decisive rallies, nerves took over. Gabi made an attacking error, and the Turkish team reached their first set point – 27:26. Zhu saved it, but Bošković struck again for 28:27, and Markova ended the set with an attack against the block – 29:27. The arena erupted – and... the match took a different direction.
This comeback changed the momentum. In the fourth set, the Turkish team dictated the tempo, despite Conegliano's attempts to come back at the end. The Italians even saved a set point, but Bošković sent the match into a tie-break – 25:23.
In the decisive fifth set, the tension was palpable. Conegliano started better, but Vakifbank quickly equalized and took control. The Italians showed character and saved two match points, but on the third, Bošković ended the spectacle – 15:11.

A victory forged with character and composure in the toughest moments, and a defeat that will weigh heavily on Conegliano for a long time – primarily due to the missed opportunity and the dramatic collapse in the third set.

photos:cev.eu