Fenerbahçe cruise past Budowlani ŁÓDŹ to stay perfect in Pool B
Recap
Fenerbahçe Medicana ISTANBUL continued their flawless run in Pool B of the CEV ZEREN Group Champions League Volley 2026, delivering a composed and commanding straight-sets victory over PGE Budowlani ŁÓDŹ at a lively Sport Arena in Poland. In a match lasting just 67 minutes, the Turkish side once again underlined their depth, efficiency, and experience at the highest European level.
Pool B: PGE Budowlani ŁÓDŹ (POL) vs. Fenerbahçe Medicana ISTANBUL (TUR) 0–3 (16–25, 20–25, 11–25)
Playing the two teams’ seventh Champions League encounter against each other, Fenerbahçe extended a head-to-head streak that has now seen them win all meetings with Budowlani ŁÓDŹ, conceding only a single set across four seasons. From the opening rallies, the visitors set the tone with strong service pressure and fast offensive organisation, quickly opening gaps that proved difficult for the home side to close.
The first set saw Fenerbahçe take early control through their aggressive attacking line-up, led by Melissa Vargas and Ana Cristina. With Alessia Orro running the offence at high speed, the Turkish champions converted 16 winning spikes in the set and closed it 25-16, despite Budowlani showing resistance at the net.
ŁÓDŹ responded with greater balance in the second set, producing their best stretch of Volleyball in the match. The Polish side stayed closer on the scoreboard and challenged Fenerbahçe in longer rallies, but the visitors’ ability to manage key moments made the difference once again. Vargas’ power from the right side, combined with improved blocking efficiency, allowed Fenerbahçe to pull away late and take the set 25-20.
Any hopes of a comeback were firmly shut down in the third set. Fenerbahçe raised their level further, dominating from the service line and at the net. With four aces and four kill blocks in the set, the Turkish side imposed full control and closed the match emphatically at 25-11, sealing another 3-0 victory in group play.
Statistically, Fenerbahçe held clear advantages across the board, finishing with 49 winning spikes to 24, seven aces to one, and 10 kill blocks to eight, while committing fewer errors overall. Vargas topped the scoring chart with 17 points, supported by Hande Baladın (13) and Ana Cristina (12). Budowlani ŁÓDŹ were led by Paulina Damaske, who finished with eight points and a solid 61% positive reception rate.
At the heart of Fenerbahçe’s performance was setter Alessia Orro, who was named MVP. The Italian international orchestrated the offence with precision and variety, adding two aces of her own and keeping all attacking options involved throughout the match.
After the final whistle, Fenerbahçe captain Eda Erdem highlighted the importance of maintaining focus in the group stage:
Eda Erdem“We are feeling pretty good because we won. They have a good serve and play very fast when they receive well. Today we did a really good job in all elements, and we closed the match 3–0. In the group stage, finishing matches in straight sets gives us a big advantage. The fans were amazing, so we are very happy.”
Player of Fenerbahçe Medicana ISTANBUL
With this result, Fenerbahçe Medicana ISTANBUL remain unbeaten and without dropping a set in Pool B, strengthening their position as one of the frontrunners heading into the decisive phase of the group stage. For PGE Budowlani ŁÓDŹ, the challenge continues as they look to regroup and build on the experience gained against one of Europe’s most decorated clubs.