First historic wins for ANKARA Zeren Spor Kulübü and Benfica in #CLVolleyW
Recap
A total of 15 sets played across four matches marked an action-packed Wednesday in the CEV ZEREN Group Champions League Volley 2026 | Women. Savino Del Bene SCANDICCI claimed a four-set victory over Volero LE CANNET, while Sport LISBOA e Benfica secured their first-ever Champions League win after a five-set thriller against PGE Budowlani ŁÓDŹ. Numia Vero Volley MILANO dominated OK Železničar in Lajkovac in the Serbian club’s Champions League home debut, and ANKARA Zeren Spor Kulübü convincingly defeated ŁKS Commercecon ŁÓDŹ to celebrate a historic first triumph in the competition.
Pool A: Volero LE CANNET (FRA) vs. Savino Del Bene SCANDICCI (ITA) 1-3 (11-25, 25-20, 23-25, 17-25)
Italy’s Savino Del Bene SCANDICCI achieved their second victory in Pool A of the women’s CEV Champions League. On Wednesday, they put together a 3-1 (25-11, 20-25, 25-23, 25-17) away win over France’s Volero LE CANNET and top the current standings on a better point ratio than that of Turkiye’s VakifBank ISTANBUL. Volero took their first set win in the pool, but remain fourth, also separated from third-placed Volei Alba BLAJ of Romania on point ratios.
Savino Del Bene quickly killed the suspense in the first set. With an eight-point run on American outside hitter Sarah Franklin’s serving turn, they broke away with an 11-3 lead and never looked back. Her compatriot and cross-court teammate Avery Skinner finished the job with a block-out shot for 25-11.
The Italian team stormed the second set on a 4-0 run with Serbian star setter Maja Ognjenovic behind the serving line. This time, however, Volero fought right back. They caught up at 10-10 and took the lead at 13-12. Four points in a row on Belarusian outside Liubou Svetnik’s serve opened up a 23-16 gap. Savino Del Bene’s stellar squad attempted a comeback, but it was too late. Bulgarian outside Vangeliya Rachkovska brought in set point at 24-19, which Russian opposite Alina Popova converted to a 25-20 set win.
Set three was really competitive throughout. In a scoring race between Rachkovska and Savino Del Bene’s opposite Ekaterina Antropova, the set lead went back and forth several times. In the money time, the visiting team seemed to stay more focused on the court. After 23-23, an off-the-block shot by Antropova brought in set point, and the set ended at 25-23 on an attack error by Volero.
Ognjenovic served the first ball in the fourth set… and then she served the next five. A 5-0 Savino Del Bene lead was a blow this time Volero never managed to recover from. With Skinner on fire, the Italian team kept the pressure to reach match point at 24-12 on a kill block by middle blocker Giulia Mancini. The French side did not give up and denied their opponents as many as five opportunities to close the match, before Skinner finally finished the job with a pipe hit for 25-17.
Skinner emerged as the best scorer of the game. She contributed a match-high 23 points, spiking at a 59% success rate and putting away two aces and two kill blocks, to claim a well-deserved MVP award. Her teammate Ekaterina Antropova finished with a total of 15 points, while Alina Popova led the home team with 16.
Avery Skinner“We know that every match is going to be difficult and not playing at home is even harder. So, we came in knowing that we needed to be really focused and I think that we did that towards the end. I think the turning point was us losing the second set. Of course, that made everybody a little bit angry and added a little extra fire. Of course, that’s not what we want to do, but I’m proud of us about how we bounced back.”
Outside hitter of Savino Del Bene SCANDICCI and MVP of the match
“I am very happy because we played very well. We won one set against them. That for us is an incredible success. I am proud of my girls because they are doing a great job,” commented Marco Fenoglio, head coach of Volero LE CANNET.
“I feel very good about the team's performance. It was a little nerve-wracking at first, but I think we did a good job,” added opposite Alina Popova.
“First of all, I feel happy because the victory is really important. Although we didn't play our best match, it was important that we came back after the second set. And in the end, we came back with the victory,” concluded Marco Gaspari, head coach of Savino Del Bene SCANDICCI.
Both Sport LISBOA e Benfica - who reached the Champions League group stage for the first time - and PGE Budowlani opened Pool B with defeats, making both sides highly motivated as they stepped onto the court at Sports Hall Benfica in search of their first win.
Powerful serving from Paulina Damaske, combined with effective blocking, sparked Budowlani to an early 6-1 lead. Benfica, however, were not discouraged and quickly tried to reduce the gap to 6-4, led by Cansu Cetin (five points in the opening set). Budowlani responded firmly, with strong offensive contributions from Rodica Buterez (seven points in the first set) and Maja Storck (four points), firmly rebuilding their advantage to 13-8 and later 20-11, while the #CLVolleyW newcomers struggled with numerous unforced errors. The team from Łódź closed the set comfortably, impressing with their dominant blocking - their strongest weapon in the opener - scoring as many as seven points in this element. However, it was a Bruna Honorio's attack that sealed the set at 25-14.
Benfica approached the second set as a fresh start. With Joana Garcez at the service line and sharp spikes from Cetin, the hosts opened with a 3-0 lead. Thanks to team efforts and Mariana Garcez's smart playmaking, they kept a three-point lead to 10-7. Budowlani then levelled the score at 10-10 through strong plays by Buterez and Storck. But powerful attacks from Cetin (seven points in the set, 55% efficiency) and Claudia Dillon (a perfect 5/5 in attack) restored the Eagles' three-point advantage at 15-12. Kyra Holt added further firepower, helping push the hosts ahead 21-18. With Budowlani losing their rhythm, Benfica dominated on the court and closed the set 25-19.
The third set was the most competitive of the match, with both teams playing nearly flawlessly and battling point for point up to 9-9. After strong actions from Saša Planinšec and Paulina Majkowska (six points in the 3rd set), Budowlani briefly pulled ahead 12-10, but Benfica quickly closed the gap and kept pace at 15-15. The race remained extremely tight. An ace from Cetin and a solo block by Dillon (four points) pushed Benfica to a 20-18 advantage. Budowlani attempted a comeback, led by Karolina Drużkowska (six points), but the hosts held firm and earned two set points at 24-22. In the decisive moments, however, Budowlani brought back their strongest weapon - the block. Combined with powerful swings from Paulina Damaske, Budowlani denied three set points and ultimately took the set 28-26 in extra time, finishing with a Planinšec–Storck block on Cetin.
The tight battle continued, energising the crowd in Lisboa. Both teams fought fiercely on offence and defence, once again producing a point-by-point race. For Benfica, Isidora Ubavić stepped up with important attacking contributions, while Budowlani continued to rely on Majkowska and Damaske. A strong service run from Drużkowska allowed the visitors to break away to 14-11, but the set was far from decided. Driven by the Garcez sisters and Holt, the Eagles not only erased the gap, but moved ahead 17-15, before extending the advantage to 20-17. This time, the hosts didn't let the lead slip. Holt - the top scorer of the fourth set with seven points - took charge, sealing the set 25-20 with a decisive spike.
Lisboa kept the momentum sparked by an incredible serving run from Joana Garcez, which completely disrupted Budowlani's rhythm. Combined with powerful spikes from Cetin, Dillon, and Holt, the hosts surged to a 7-1 lead. Budowlani managed to claw back a few points, staying within reach (9-7) after two spectacular blocks from Damaske and Planinsec. What followed was a tense battle of nerves, which Benfica navigated more effectively, being led by Cetin. A super spike from Holt gave the hosts a series of match points at 14-9, and they seized their first opportunity, sealing a historic first-ever win in the Champions League with a killing block from Ubavic.
Cansu Cetin was the standout performer, finishing as the top scorer with 20 points, including 17 kills (35% success rate), two blocks, and one ace. She also delivered an incredible 79% positive reception, earning MVP honours. Claudia Dillon and Kyra Holt both added 16 points each, while Joana Garcez contributed 10. For Budowlani, Maja Storck led the scoring with 16 points, followed closely by Paulina Damaske with 15.
Cansu Cetin“It was a really difficult game. Our opponent is an amazing team, and they played extremely well. They are a very well-organised team, but we did a good job and managed to win 3-2. It was an exhausting match. This is a very special and historic win for us. We would also like to thank the crowd who came to support us - we thank the fans from the bottom of our hearts. Now we are looking forward to the next game, which is going to be an important match for us as well.”
MVP and player of Sport LISBOA e Benfica
Henrique Furtado Pereira“A big win against this great opponent, an opponent that fights for the top spots in Poland, for the top positions of a very competitive national championship. I think we showed the strength of the group, the strength of Benfica. The fans were very important in this victory, what an atmosphere!”
Head coach of Benfica
Pool C: OK Železničar LAJKOVAC (SRB) vs. Numia Vero Volley MILANO (ITA) 0-3 (20-25, 15-25, 22-25)
Without Paola Egonu, team captain and star opposite, as well as Francesca Bosio and Rebecca Piva on the court, Vero Volley completed their trip to Lajkovac successfully, spoiling Železničar’s Champions League debut in front of a packed arena and an excellent atmosphere.
Backed by loud home support, Železničar came out determined and energetic, making it difficult for Stefano Lavarini’s mixed Vero Volley lineup to build a significant lead. The Italian side stayed in front throughout the opening set (8-4, 16-13), but the hosts repeatedly narrowed the gap, pushing to stay within reach. Vero Volley eventually took the set 25–20. Vita Akimova contributed eight points for MILANO, while Benedetta Sartori added five. On the other side, Emileta Racheva led Železničar with seven points, and Adriana Kostadinović and Milena Koprivica scored four times each.
The balanced battle continued early in the second set, with a slight Milano edge at 8-7, before the visitors produced a 4-0 run to jump to 12-7. The Italians extended their lead to 16-10 and 20-13, but every rally remained fiercely contested. Vero Volley claimed a 2-0 advantage with a convincing 25-15 finish.
MILANO recorded four blocks and three aces in the second set; Akimova scored five points, while Kamerynn Miner and Sartori added four each. Kostadinović had three points for Železničar.
As in the previous sets, the third began with a tight exchange of points, with MILANO first earning a two-point edge at 7-5. Midway through the set, the visitors led 13-9 and 16-10, before a strong serving run from Mina Stanojević ignited Železničar’s 5-0 surge to 16-15. The hosts equalised at 17-17 thanks to a point by Kostadinović. In the closing moments, however, MILANO pulled ahead to 24-19 and wrapped up the match 25-22 for a 3-0 victory.
Vero Volley’s outside hitter Elena Pietrini was named MVP, finishing the match with 13 points (two aces, 11 kills at 58% efficiency).
“Tonight we really played relaxed, without any pressure. What I liked the most, regardless of
the strength of the team from Milan, is that in the situations we usually practice - what
needs to be done, where we should position ourselves - the players mostly respected all
of that. Of course, there is no need to talk much about Milan as a team; they are one of the
best teams in the world, and I believe they have four players who are current Olympic and
World champions. That is why I am even more pleased that the girls from my team fought
hard and, in a way, managed to compete with them. Now it’s very important for us to
continue working and to transfer this level of commitment into our national league as well,”
said Ratko Pavlicevic, head coach of OK Železničar.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate the Milan team on their victory, but also my own
team for the fight we showed. We played without pressure and gave our maximum, and it
was a much better performance than in Istanbul. I also want to thank our fans, their support
means so much to us. We hope they enjoyed a great Volleyball match and we expect to see
them in the same numbers at our next game. I would also like to say how grateful I am for
the opportunity to play such a big competition at only 17 years old. I am thankful for the
support from our coach and all my teammates,” commented Adriana Kostadinovic, opposite of OK Železničar.
Pool D: ANKARA Zeren Spor Kulübü (TUR) vs. ŁKS Commercecon ŁÓDŹ (POL) 3-0 (25-19, 27-25, 25-20)
Making just their second appearance on Europe’s biggest stage, ANKARA Zeren Spor Kulübü delivered a commanding and deeply meaningful straight-sets victory at home, sweeping past ŁKS Commercecon ŁÓDŹ to secure their first win in Pool D and strengthen their chances in the race for knockout contention.
From the opening whistle, the hosts imposed their pace and structure, using sharp side-out discipline and targeted serving to break ŁKS’s rhythm. The home side outscored the Polish national league runners-up 77–64 across total points, underpinned by a strong offensive display: 47 winning spikes compared with ŁKS’s 37. Their efficiency in decisive moments stood out as well signalling a higher level of precision and control.
The opening set showcased ANKARA’s balance. They converted points from all zones, with quick offence through the middle complementing confident swings on both pins. Their six aces (to ŁKS’s 5) played a key role, frequently pushing the visitors off the net and limiting their offensive options. The 25-19 scoreline reflected Zeren’s superior side-out and ability to convert long rallies.
Set two delivered the evening’s highest drama. ŁKS elevated their level considerably, producing their best blocking phase of the match - eight kill blocks overall, one more than Ankara - and forcing extended exchanges. Opposite Anastasiia Hryshchuk led the charge with 12 winning spikes at a 46% efficiency, carrying the Polish attack. Yet ANKARA’s resilience shone under pressure: they came back from multiple mini-deficits and sealed the set 27-25 thanks to clutch serving and calm execution in transition.
The third set demonstrated ANKARA’s maturity and growing synergy. Their block-defence system tightened visibly, and their reception - anchored by eventual MVP Saliha Şahin - allowed setter Ofelia Malinov to run a fluid, unpredictable offence. Şahin’s line of 14 points (12 spikes, two aces) came with exceptional efficiency: 60% in attack and 75% positive reception, the highest in the match. Combined with Zeren capitalising on 17 opponent errors, they closed the match 25-20 to complete a well-deserved 3-0 sweep.
Though ŁKS produced bright moments and showed flashes of their Champions League experience, they were repeatedly outpaced in transition. They could not match ANKARA’s consistency in first-ball side-out, especially in moments when momentum hung in the balance.
ANKARA now prepare for a crucial home battle against Conegliano - one of the giants of the competition - while ŁKS aim to reset and regain stability as Pool D tightens. With both teams still in contention, the next leg promises further intensity as the group stage reaches its midpoint.
Stevan Ljubičić“First of all, this is a big victory for our club - historic, like most of the things we have done until now. It’s a league competition, and we still have many matches ahead; all options and positions remain open. We also had some small injury problems, but they fought to the last point. I’m really happy with their energy, motivation, and how they approach every practice. This win is special for us, and we’ll see where it takes us.”
Head Coach of ANKARA Zeren Spor Kulübü
Adrian Chyliński“It was a good fight, but Zeren is truly a top-level team. In the crucial moments, especially in the second set, which we were close to winning, they managed the final stretch very well. The key against a team like this is that you must score when you have the chance. We certainly need to manage our reception better moving forward."
ŁKS Commercecon ŁÓDŹ Head Coach
Saliha Şahin“Of course, we delivered a strong performance against a very important team, but this wasn’t something we needed to boost our confidence. We stepped onto the court with the same belief when we faced Conegliano as well. I think we’ve approached every match so far with confidence, and the results speak for themselves. I want to congratulate my teammates — everyone gave their all today, and we did a great job.”
MVP of the match, player of ANKARA Zeren Spor Kulübü