Turkish Hope in Łódź: Halkbank’s Road to the #CLVolleyM Semi-Final
Editorial
Halkbank ANKARA are set to face Italian powerhouse Sir Sicoma Monini PERUGIA in the semi-finals of the CEV Men’s Champions League 2025, marking their third appearance in the Final Four stage after previous campaigns in 2013/14 and 2022/23.
Their journey to this point has been anything but easy. In the group phase, Halkbank played six matches, three of which went to five sets. They managed four wins and two losses, one of them against PERUGIA at home (0-3), but they turned things around by winning 3-2 away in Italy.
After finishing second in their group, Halkbank advanced to the Play Offs and then the Quarter-Finals, needing Golden Set victories in both rounds. They defeated Allianz MILANO and then edged past PGE Projekt WARSZAWA in a tightly contested series, showing resilience and mental strength under pressure.
A key figure in their campaign has been Marek Sotola, who leads the team with 206 points, the third-highest total among all players in the competition. He was crucial in the away win over PERUGIA, scoring 18 points. His ability to finish plays in high-pressure moments has made a clear difference throughout the season.
Sotola MarekWe must play. We have to project our best volleyball possible on the court. I think we have a chance against Perugia. I just want to say that we will need the support of all our fans and that we will do everything to make them happy, at least with a small apology for this season, which did not end well.
Opposite
On the sidelines, Radostin Stoytchev returned to coach Halkbank in April 2025. He previously led the team to the Champions League final in 2014. His experience at this stage of European volleyball has helped guide the team through a demanding and unpredictable season.
Halkbank’s match against PERUGIA also brings back memories of their straight-set loss to the Italians in the 2023 FIVB Club World Championship semi-final in Bangalore. Now in Łódź, Poland, they have a chance to change that outcome.
PERUGIA arrives with a 7-1 record this season, their only loss coming at home to Halkbank. Despite reaching the semi-finals seven times, they have never won the Champions League. Their coach, Angelo Lorenzetti, also seeks his first title.
As the May 16 semi-final nears, Halkbank carries Turkish hopes into a tough clash with a familiar rival. A win would send them to their first final in over a decade, a major moment for the club and Turkish volleyball.