VakıfBank once again climbed to the top of European volleyball. The Turkish giant won its 7th Champions League title after defeating Eczacıbaşı Dynavit 3:1 (25:20, 25:21, 21:25, 25:18) in the 2026 CEV Zeren Group final. In an atmosphere of true celebration, in front of a full house at the Ulker Sports Arena, the "yellow-blacks" solidified their dominance on the continent.
The match started evenly, but already in the first set, VakıfBank took control with strong serves and a solid block to take a 1:0 lead. In the second set, Eczacıbaşı managed to get back into the game and equalized at 19:19, but in the crucial rallies, VakıfBank showed greater efficiency in attack and doubled their lead.
The third set was the most contested – Eczacıbaşı showed character and, after a comeback, managed to reduce their deficit, led by the strong performances of Ebrar Karakurt and Sinead Jack-Kisal.
In the fourth set, however, VakıfBank left no doubt about their superiority. Stable play in all elements and the dominance of Tijana Bošković led to a decisive closing of the match and a final score of 3:1.
The match was marked by powerful block play (15 points for VakıfBank) and high efficiency in attack (65 successful attacks). Tijana Bošković stood out with 33 points, supported by Marina Markova with 26 and Zehra Güneş with 10.
After the final whistle, a solemn ceremony followed, in which VakıfBank received the gold medals and the trophy from CEV President Rok Sikić, while the awards for finalist Eczacıbaşı were presented by the President of the Turkish Federation, Mehmet Akif Üstündağ.
The individual awards for the tournament's dream team were also announced:
Most Valuable Player (MVP):Tijana Bošković (VakıfBank)
Best Opposite Hitter:Tijana Bošković (VakıfBank)
Best Setter:Joanna Wołosz (Conegliano)
Best Libero:Simge Aköz (Eczacıbaşı)
Best Middle Blockers:Sinead Jack-Kisal (Eczacıbaşı), Zehra Güneş (VakıfBank)
Best Outside Hitters:Marina Markova (VakıfBank), Ebrar Karakurt (Eczacıbaşı)
Best Coach:Giovanni Guidetti (VakifBank)
Thus, VakifBank not only solidified its status as the most successful club in modern European volleyball but also did it in championship style
– without losing a single match in the tournament.
In the Champions League third-place match, Conegliano displayed class and experience to win the bronze medals after a 3:0 victory over Scandicci (25:16, 26:24, 27:25). The Italian champion dominated the first set with exceptional attacking efficiency, and in the next two sets, demonstrated composure in decisive moments. Scandicci also had its chances, especially in the second and third sets, but failed to capitalize on them. Gabi and Zhu Ting led Conegliano in the key rallies, while Antropova was the top scorer for the opponent. Thus, Daniele Santarelli's team secured the bronze, solidifying its place among the leading forces in European volleyball.
photos/cev.eu
