Ziraat Bankkart ANKARA secure Final Four spot with commanding win over RZESZÓW
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Ziraat Bankkart ANKARA confirmed their place in the #CLVolleyM Final Four on Tuesday night with another dominant performance against Asseco Resovia RZESZÓW. Playing in front of 3,650 fans at TVF Ziraat Bankkart Volleyball Hall, the Turkish side followed up their first-leg success with a confident 3–0 victory, sealing qualification in straight sets and continuing their impressive European campaign. After securing the two sets they needed to advance, the hosts maintained their level to close the match in style and celebrate a special night in Ankara.
Ziraat Bankkart ANKARA (TUR) vs Asseco Resovia RZESZÓW (POL) 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-21)
With a place in the Final Four within reach, Ziraat Bankkart ANKARA started the match with focus and intensity. The opening set remained competitive, as Karol Butryn led the scoring for the visitors and kept Rzeszów close. However, the hosts found their rhythm in the decisive rallies, with Nimir Abdel-Aziz and Trévor Clevenot delivering key points to secure a 25-22 win.
The second set proved decisive for the tie. Backed by strong serving and solid blocking, Ziraat gradually took control, limiting the visitors’ attacking options. Abdel-Aziz once again led the offense, while Bedirhan Bülbül made his presence felt at the net. With a 25-19 win, the Turkish side secured the two sets required to book their place in the semis, marking a historic milestone as they reach this stage for the second time in club history.
Despite already confirming qualification, Ziraat Bankkart ANKARA showed no signs of slowing down. Head coach Mustafa Kavaz, celebrating his birthday, rotated his squad in the third set, giving opportunities to younger and bench players. Led by Dick Kooy, the hosts maintained their composure and intensity, closing the set 25-21 to complete a clean sweep and cap off a perfect night.
MVP Nimir Abdel-Aziz led the way with 12 points, including two aces and five break points, playing a crucial role in securing qualification. He was supported by Trévor Clevenot (10 points) and Bedirhan Bülbül (8 points), while Tomasz Fornal added seven. On the visitors’ side, Karol Butryn finished as the top scorer with 16 points.
Nimir Abdel-Aziz“The key was to take those first two sets – that’s what we came for, and we managed to do it. But we know this is not the end. We didn’t achieve anything yet, and we need to stay focused for what’s coming next.”
Player of Ziraat
The victory not only sends Ziraat Bankkart ANKARA to the Final Four, but also keeps alive their ambition of adding a Champions League title to last season’s CEV Cup triumph. For Asseco Resovia RZESZÓW, the European journey comes to an end despite a strong effort across both legs.
With confidence high and momentum on their side, Ziraat now turn their attention to Torino, where they will compete among Europe’s elite for a place in the final.