Developres take the match, Eczacıbaşı secure a spot in the #CLVolleyW Final Four
News
Eczacıbaşı Istanbul completed their mission in style on Wednesday night, securing a coveted place in the #CLVolleyW Final Four, set to take place on May 2-3 in Istanbul, Türkiye. After a 3-1 win over Developres Rzeszów in the first leg, the Turkish side wasted no time in the return match, claiming the opening two sets on the #RoadToIstanbul to seal their progression. However, the match itself turned into a battle, with KS Developres Rzeszów fighting back to claim a hard-fought tie-break victory and end their campaign in the CEV ZEREN Group Champions League Volley 2026 | Women.
Developres made a bit shaky start to the match, which Eczacibaşi used to build an early 2–0 lead. However, the hosts, powered by Taylor Bannister and Nathalie Lemmens, quickly responded to level the score at 5–5 and ignite a tight battle for a brief moment. An attack from Magdalena Stysiak and a block by Dana Rettke restored a three-point advantage for Eczacıbaşı at 11–8. Although Developres tried to level up the score, Stysiak stepped up on the service line - delivering two aces in one run - to extend the lead to 16–11. Eczacibaşi then took full control, playing like a well-oiled machine (21–16) and excelling in all elements, with 54% positive reception, 47% success in attack and 4 blocks. A strong counter-attack from Stysiak eventually sealed the set 25–17.
The second set started at a high pace. Although Developres trailed 4–6, they quickly responded through Taylor Bannister (4 points in the set), levelling the score at 7–7. A solo block by Jansen on Magdalena Stysiak then gave the hosts a hard-fought 10–9 lead, forcing coach Giulio Bregoli to call a timeout – a decision that paid off immediately as Eczacibasi went on a five-point run to regain control at 14–10, with Stysiak on the service line. Eczacibasi relied heavily on their block (4 points) and powerful kills (60% succes), supported by excellent reception (73%) took charge of the set. Developres continued to fight and produced several strong rallies, but the Turkish side maintained their advantage (21–15), led by the super duo of Jack-Kisel and Stysiak, who both scored 5 points in the set. An attack from Jack-Kisel eventually sealed the set 25–17, booking Eczacibasi’s place in the #CLVolleyW Final Four.
With nothing to lose, Developres came out determined to give their fans something to cheer about, opening the third set with a 5–1 lead. Eczacibasi, however, refused to surrender and, with Ebrar Karakurt on the service line, reduced the gap to 9–7. An ace from Anna Smrek, who replaced Magdalena Stysiak at the start of the set, brought the score level at 11–11, sparking a tight point-by-point battle (17–17). Two aces from Nathalie Lemmens pushed Developres ahead 20–17, but Eczacibasi responded immediately, with Dana Rettke delivering two strong serves to level the score at 20–20. In the decisive moments, Oliwia Sieradzka led the hosts to a 25–23 set win, finishing the set with an impressive 11 points, including 10 kills (63%).
Eczacibasi started the next set without their key players from the opening two sets. Developres carried their momentum from the third set and built a 10–6 lead, this time with Julita Piasecka stepping up as their leader with 6 points. She was well supported by Svitlana Dorsman (4 points), while strong work in block helped the hosts stay in control throughout the set (17–9). Eczacibasi struggled in attack, managing only 26% success. In the end, Developres comfortably closed the set 25–15, sending the match into a tie-break.
Developres kept the momentum taking a 5-1 lead in tie-break and moving it forward to 9-5. Oliwia Sieradzka again shone on the court, scoring in total 7 points. Coach Bregoli rotated with his squad and at the end of the set Eczacibasi shortened the distance (13-11), but Developres didn't waste their chance, winning the set 15-12 and the game.
The MVP award went to Oliwia Sieradzka, who came off the bench to score 23 points, including 21 kills at an impressive 62% success rate and 2 blocks. Julita Piasecka added 13 points for Developres. On Eczacıbaşı’s side, Dana Rettke led the scoring with 11 points, including 3 aces, 2 blocks and 6 kills at 100% efficiency. Magdalena Stysiak and Kathryn Plummer both contributed 10 points.
Oliwia Sieradzka"It was a tough match because Eczacıbaşı are a strong opponent. They played amazingly at the beginning, so it was really difficult for us. After those first two sets, we did our best and eventually won the match, which we can be proud of."
MVP and player of KS Developres Rzeszów
Katarzyna Wenerska"The first two sets were a volleyball lesson for us. Eczacıbaşı put a lot of pressure on us with their serve, and we struggled a lot in this element. We are happy that we managed to come back and eventually win the match. We expected more from ourselves in the first two sets, but we are glad to finish our #CLVolleyW journey with a victory."
player of KS Developres Rzeszów
Jelena Blagojević"We still feel hungry for more. It’s our fourth time in the quarterfinals and, of course, from a sporting perspective we hoped we could go further - that’s normal - but we also knew the level of our opponent. I’m happy because we showed good Volleyball in Istanbul, and here, despite a difficult start in the first two sets, we managed to come back and win. I’m proud of the team and of this victory, because even Eczacıbaşı’s substitute players are among the best in the world, so this win is important for us."
head coach of KS Developres Rzeszów
Magdalena Stysiak"We achieved our goal and made it to the Final Four. We won the first two sets to secure our spot - of course, it would have been nice to win the whole match as well, but our head coach gave all players the opportunity to be on the court. We are happy and proud of what we have achieved so far."
player of Eczacıbaşı Istanbul