Fenerbahçe reach the #CLVolleyW semis for a third year in a row
The Turkish powerhouse of Fenerbahçe Opet Istanbul reached the semi-finals of the 2024 CEV Champions League Volley 2024 after turning the tables around in the quarter-finals phase of Europe’s top club competition.
The players of head coach Stefano Lavarini didn’t start on the right foot in this stage, losing 2-3 to Allianz MTV Stuttgart in the home match. However, in the deciding game, played on Wednesday evening in Burhan Felek Voleybol Salonu in Istanbul, Fenerbahce were able to control the match, and by winning it 3-1, they stamped their ticket to the semi-finals in front of 7000 fans.
This is the eighth time for the Turkish club reaching this phase of CLVolleyW.
The match was attended by Turkish Volleyball Federation President Mr. Mehmet Akif Üstündağ.
Fenerbahce Opet ISTANBUL 3-1 Allianz MTV STUTTGART
The hosts took control over what was happening on the court right after the first referee whistle. Counting on starting six, Eda Erdem, Arina Fedorovtseva, Meliha Diken, Aslı Kalaç, Bojana Drca, Melissa Vargas and libero Gizem Örge, the team delivered 64% exc. in attack, recording four kill blocks and an ace point in the first set.
The Yellow Angels started the second set with a 6-0 point lead, and built up an even bigger point difference for 25-15.
Allianz MTV Stuttgart fought hard in the third set, leading 16-10. With Arina Fedorovtseva on the serving line, the home side was able to reduce the gap to one point only (16-17), breathing down their opponents’ necks. However, the guess showed nerves of steel, winning some mega rallies for 25-23.
The two teams started chasing each other in the score in the fourth set (8-8). Shining bright, Melissa Vargas helped her team to take the lead at 15-11. With team effort, led by captain Eda Erdem, the Yellow Angels emerged victorious at 25-19.
Statistically, Fenerbahce finished with 12 kill blocks, while their opponents recorded six. The Turkish were also better in attack: 54% exc., while the Germans had a 36%. Allianz MTV Stuttgart suffered a lot in reception: 11% exc.
Asli Kalac was chosen for MVP of the game, with 11 points to her name and 89% exc. in attack.
Melissa Vargas became top scorer with 24 points (56% exc.).
For Allianz MTV Stuttgart, Krystal Rivers topped the charts with 16 points (38% exc.in attack).
Stefano Lavarini“We were determined. The ball was not perfect to play long, we know that they dig a lot. Our approach was fantastic. Also being able to come back with the right mentality, calm, after the third set, was important. We learned a lot in these two games with Allianz MTV Stuttgart.”
Head coach of Fenerbahce Opet Istanbul