Sensational Trentino Complete Stunning Comeback, Galatasaray Claim Second Victory

Pool A: TOURS VB (FRA) – TRENTINO ITAS (ITA) 3-2 (25-27, 24-26, 25-23, 25-22, 28-26)

Trentino claimed their seventh win in eight meetings against Tours — but this one was truly epic. The clash lasted more than two and a half hours, with only the fourth set not decided by the minimum margin, while the fifth set alone stretched to an astonishing 34 minutes.
Tours took a 2–0 lead in sets, but Trentino once again proved why they are considered one of the elite clubs in European and world volleyball. Without Michieletto, the Italian side struggled in reception, finishing the match with just 36% positive reception (28%, 26%, 30%, 41% and 54% per set).

Tours started strongly, leading 9–7 and later 13–12 in the opening set. Trentino responded to go ahead 16–15, but Tours regained control and, after missing their first set point, converted the second for a 27–25 lead. Theo Faure scored 14 points in the opening set, while Nik Mujanović led Tours with five points.

The French side continued their momentum in the second set, leading 10–4 and 13–8. Trentino fought back to take the lead at 19–16, but Tours once again responded and closed the set 26–24 to move ahead 2–0. Faure added eight more points, while Isaac Heslinga scored six for the hosts.

Trentino refused to give in. After leading most of the third set, they held their nerve in the closing stages to take it 25–23 and reduce the deficit. Jordi Ramon Ferragut and Faure led the way, while Landry Kavogo stood out for Tours.

The Italian side carried the momentum into the fourth set, building a steady advantage and closing it 25–22 to force a decisive tie-break.

Tours started the fifth set better (6–3, 9–6), but Trentino clawed their way back. The teams traded match points in a dramatic finish, with Tours failing to convert four of them. Eventually, Trentino seized their tenth match point to claim a thrilling 28–26 victory and complete an unforgettable comeback.

Theo Faure was named MVP after scoring an outstanding 40 points (5 aces, 58% in attack). Jordi Ramon Ferragut added 23 points for Trentino, while Nik Mujanović led Tours with 24 points.

Pool B: Galatasaray HDI ISTANBUL (TUR) vs Halkbank ANKARA (TUR) 3-1 (25-16, 27-25, 22-25, 25-20)

In an all-Turkish clash, Galatasaray HDI claimed second place in Pool B after defeating Halkbank in their fourth match of the group stage.
This was the first-ever meeting between two Turkish clubs in the men’s CEV Champions League. In their previous encounter, played in Ankara, Halkbank had claimed a 3–2 victory after leading 2–0.

Galatasaray made a strong start to the match, opening with a 5–0 run, but Halkbank immediately responded with four consecutive points. The hosts regained control midway through the set, moving ahead 14–9 and later extending their lead to 20–14. Galatasaray comfortably closed the opening set 25–16 to take a 1–0 lead.
Jean Patry led Galatasaray in the first set with eight points (one ace, one block, 55% attack efficiency), while Timothy Maar added five points (71% in attack). For Halkbank, Matey Kaziyski scored five points with 50% efficiency and 64% positive reception.

The second set saw a much tighter battle. Galatasaray held a slight edge throughout, leading 8–4, 10–8 and 14–13. Halkbank managed to level the score at 17–17, and the teams remained neck-and-neck until the end. After saving two set points, Galatasaray finally converted their third opportunity to win the set 27–25 and extend their lead to 2–0.
Maar (six points, 75% positive reception, 55% attack) and Roamy Alonso Arce (six points, 75% attack) paced Galatasaray, who finished the set with three blocks, three aces and 57% positive reception. Kaziyski scored six points for Halkbank, who recorded four blocks but only 33% positive reception.

Halkbank started the third set strongly, taking a 3–1 lead, but Galatasaray quickly turned the score around and went ahead 11–7. Halkbank responded once again, eventually taking the lead at 16–15. Kaziyski and Marek Šotola helped the visitors build a 20–17 advantage, and despite Galatasaray leveling at 21–21, Halkbank closed the set 25–22 to reduce the deficit to 2–1.
Gokcen Yuksel scored seven points (one ace, one block, 69% positive reception) and Jean Patry added six for Galatasaray, while Tsvetan Sokolov led Halkbank with six points.

The fourth set followed a similar pattern, with both teams trading points early on. After Halkbank led 11–10, Galatasaray regained control and moved ahead 15–14, then 17–15. A block by Yuksel and another by Ahmet Tumer extended the lead to 20–16. Galatasaray maintained their advantage in the closing stages and sealed the match with a 25–20 win for a 3–1 victory.

Jean Patry was named MVP of the match after scoring 22 points (two aces, three blocks). Timothy Maar also contributed 22 points for Galatasaray, while Matey Kaziyski finished with 17 points and Tsvetan Sokolov added 12 for Halkbank.