VakifBank edge Milano in five-set thriller to take #CLVolleyW quarterfinal advantage
News
Six-time champions VakifBank ISTANBUL claimed a dramatic 3-2 away victory (24-26, 22-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-11) over Numia Vero Volley MILANO on Tuesday night in the first leg of their #CLVolleyW quarterfinal series, overturning a two-set deficit to seize the advantage ahead of the decisive return match in Türkiye.
In front of a lively crowd at Allianz Cloud, Milano looked in control early on, but VakifBank showed their trademark resilience to turn the match around and leave Italy with a crucial win after 131 minutes of high-level volleyball.
Milano started strongly, riding the power of Paola Egonu, who delivered a spectacular 38-point performance, the highest total of the night. The Italian side edged a tight opening set 26-24, before maintaining their momentum in the second to move within one set of victory at 25-22.
However, VakifBank gradually found their rhythm and responded with composure. Marina Markova emerged as the driving force of the comeback, producing an outstanding display in attack and finishing with 36 points, the most for the Turkish side. Supported by Tijana Bošković (21 points) and Héléna Cazaute (17), VakifBank took control of the match.
The visitors reduced the deficit by claiming the third set 25-22, before repeating the scoreline in the fourth to force a decisive tie-break. In the final set, VakifBank managed the key moments with confidence, pulling away late to secure the 15-11 victory and complete a remarkable turnaround.
VakifBank’s efficiency in attack ultimately proved decisive, with the Turkish side finishing the match with 80 winning spikes compared to Milano’s 71.
Despite the defeat, Milano showed strong resistance throughout the contest, with Anna Danesi contributing 10 points, including a match-high six kill blocks, and Hena Kurtagic adding three blocks.
Named MVP of the match, Marina Markova reflected on VakifBank’s resilience after the final whistle:
Marina Markova“It was a very difficult match and we knew Milano would push us from the beginning. After losing the first two sets we stayed calm, trusted our system and fought for every ball. This victory is very important for us, but we know the job is not finished yet.”
Player of VakifBank and MVP
Giovanni Guidetti“It was a match between two teams that are on the same level. 3-2 is the right result because we are two very similar, very balanced teams. In Istanbul I don’t expect anything different.”
Head coach of VakifBank
Anna Danesi“There is a bit of regret, because we were leading 2–0 against a very strong team. Against them it is difficult to win 3–0 because they are a great team, and they showed it by coming back and then winning the tie-break. We have to start again from the good things we did in the first and second sets. In the second leg we will try to limit their hitters a bit more, especially Markova.”
Player of Numia Vero Volley MILANO
Héléna Cazaute“It was a very tough match, we had to stay really focused to come away with this win. However, nothing has been decided yet, we need to keep our focus high for the next game. We want to reach the Final Four.”
Player of VakifBank ISTANBUL
Stefano Lavarini, head coach of Numia Vero Volley MILANO: “Despite the defeat, I am proud of how the team approached the match. We fought really hard against a very strong team, and we want to do the same in the second leg in Istanbul. We would have liked to maintain the level of the first two sets, but in the end the quality of our opponents came through. Tonight I want to highlight the character of the girls and their desire to win this match. Now our focus shifts to the league game against SCANDICCI, and then we will start thinking again about the trip to Istanbul.”
The two teams will now meet again next week in Istanbul, where VakifBank will attempt to convert this advantage into a place in the #CLVolleyW Final Four in Istanbul this coming May 2-3, 2026.