Eczacibasi Looking for a Second Champions League Volley Crown
Preview
Coach Ferhat Akbas has brought the Turkish powerhouse to the Champions League Final for the first time since 2015. With a powerful roster to rely on, Eczacibasi Istanbul will be looking to claim the crown for the second time in their history.
Turkish Sultan League Dominance Falls Just Short
Eczacibasi displayed sheer dominance in the 2022/23 regular stage of the Turkish Sultan League, winning all 26 matches, finishing atop the table. After cruising through the semifinals as well, they had to face Fenerbahce Istanbul in the final act and that’s when things stopped working as good.
Losing the domestic title that close to the SuperFinals could work either way for Eczacibasi, either as a motivator to finish the season on the highest of notes or as a soft spot for Vakifbank Istanbul to exploit.
Star Players Needs to Step Up
Eczacibasi Istanbul boasts a roster of exceptional talent, led by Tijana Boškovic, the team's top scorer in the current Champions League season. Boškovic's impressive tally of 153 points and an average of 6.37 points per set make her a formidable force on the court. With her previous experience in the tournament and past successes in the CEV Cup and Club World Championship, she aims to add the prestigious Champions League title to her list of accolades.
Contributions of Maja Ognjenovic
Another key player for Eczacibasi is Maja Ognjenovic, an experienced setter with a decorated career. Having previously won the CEV Challenge Cup and CEV Cup, Ognjenovic's hunger for the ultimate glory remains unfulfilled in the Champions League. Despite a narrow defeat in the 2020/21 final with VakifBank, her leadership and tactical prowess continue to be instrumental in guiding Eczacibasi towards success.
With a star-studded lineup and a history of excellence, Eczacibasi ISTANBUL enters the Champions League Final as a strong contender. Their remarkable performance, unwavering determination, and impressive track record make them a force to be reckoned with. The team's cohesion, under the guidance of their talented players and a young but experienced coaching staff, positions them favorably as they vie for their second Champions League crown.