Turkish volleyball giants VakifBank Istanbul orchestrated a remarkable comeback, overturning a two-set deficit to defeat Vero Volley Milano 3-2 in the first leg of their CEV Women’s Champions League quarterfinal clash held at the Allianz Cloud in Milan.
The Italian squad, Vero Volley Milano, started the match with dominance, claiming the first two sets with scores of 26-24 and 25-22. Their early success was largely fueled by the exceptional performance of Paola Egonu, who impressively tallied a match-high 38 points for her team.
However, VakifBank mounted an extraordinary fightback. Spearheaded by Marina Markova, who also scored a phenomenal 38 points and was deservedly named MVP, the Turkish side clawed their way back, winning the third and fourth sets, both 25-22, to force a deciding tie-break. Maintaining their momentum, VakifBank decisively controlled the final set, clinching it 15-11 to secure the vital away victory. Key contributions also came from Tijana Boskovic with 21 points and Helena Cazaute, who added 17 points for the visitors.
For Milano, despite Egonu’s prolific 38 points, support came from Anna Danesi, Elena Pietrini, and Hena Kurtagic, each contributing 10 points.
The crucial return leg is scheduled for March 19 in Istanbul. VakifBank will aim to capitalize on their home advantage and secure their place in the coveted Champions League Final Four.