Ziraat Bankkart ANKARA sweep RZESZÓW to seize control of #CLVolleyM quarterfinal
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The #CLVolleyM quarterfinal action continued on Wednesday night in Poland, where Ziraat Bankkart ANKARA delivered a commanding performance on the road to defeat Asseco Resovia RZESZÓW in straight sets. In front of 4,200 fans at Podpromie Hall, the Turkish side showed composure in key moments to secure a 3–0 victory and take a significant step toward the CEV Champions League Volley 2026 | Men Final Four in Torino. Despite a competitive second set, the visitors controlled the decisive moments and now head into the return leg needing just two sets to advance.
Ziraat Bankkart ANKARA started with confidence, applying pressure from the service line and staying efficient in attack. Although the hosts tried to keep pace early on with Yacine Louati leading Rzeszów’s efforts, the visitors gradually created separation. Ankara remained composed during the key rallies, taking the opening set 25-21.
The second set proved the most competitive of the match. Asseco Resovia Rzeszów raised their level, with Karol Butryn leading the offence and helping the hosts challenge for control. The teams stayed close throughout, but once again, Ziraat Bankkart showed their edge in crucial moments. Trevor Clevenot and Nimir Abdel-Aziz stepped up late in the set, guiding the visitors to a narrow 25-23 win.
With momentum firmly on their side, Ankara dictated the tempo in the third set. Tomasz Fornal added important points, while the visitors’ block and defence limited Rzeszów’s scoring opportunities. Despite the home crowd’s push, the Turkish side maintained control and closed the match with a 25-20 win to complete a convincing straight-sets victory.
Trevor Clevenot was named MVP of the match, finishing with 11 points and playing a key role in the decisive phases. Nimir Abdel-Aziz also added 11 points, while Tomasz Fornal contributed 10 in a balanced team performance. For the hosts, Yacine Louati led with 13 points, while Karol Butryn added 11.
Trevor Clevenot“It was a very good performance from us today, with great spirit on the court. We know it’s really, really difficult to win here, so to finish 3-0 like this is very nice and important for our confidence. But we also know we have only done 50% of the job, so now we need to prepare for the second match. I played two years in Poland, and honestly, the atmosphere is always amazing. Every time the gym is full, and it’s really nice to play in this kind of environment.”
Player of Ziraat
The result puts Ziraat Bankkart ANKARA in a commanding position ahead of the return leg, where they will aim to secure their place in the Final Four. Meanwhile, Asseco Resovia RZESZÓW will need a strong response in Ankara to keep their hopes alive and potentially force a Golden Set.
The decisive return match is scheduled for the end of March, when the race for a Final Four ticket will be decided.