Conegliano Secured Their Spot to Italian Finals, Strong Wins From VakifBank and Galatasaray

As the 2025 edition of the #CLVolleyW heads toward its thrilling Final Four, the semifinalist clubs are also making headlines in their respective domestic leagues. From a strong win in Italy to heated rivalries in Türkiye, the latest playoff matches showed top-level volleyball and the determination it takes to compete on all fronts.

In Italy, reigning CEV Champions League Volley and Serie A1 champions A. Carraro Imoco Volley Conegliano clashed with CEV Cup holders Igor Gorgonzola Novara in the fourth match of their playoff semifinal series. The opening sets delivered edge-of-the-seat action, with both sides trading blows to bring the score to 1-1. However, Conegliano shifted gears from the third set onward, demonstrating their trademark cohesion and tactical superiority to secure a 3-1 victory (28-26, 23-25, 25-20, 25-16) and clinch their spot in the Italian league final.

Leading the charge for Conegliano was Swedish star Isabelle Haak, who tallied 20 points. Yet, it was Italian middle blocker Sarah Fahr who earned the MVP award with a standout 14-point performance, including two blocks and an ace. Despite the loss, Igor’s Russian outside hitter Tatiana Tolok put on an impressive show, scoring a match-high 34 points. Conegliano will now face Numia Vero Volley Milano in the final showdown for the Serie A1 crown.

Meanwhile, in Türkiye, the semifinal stage of the fiercely competitive Sultanlar League began with an all-Istanbul clash between #CLVolleyW semifinalist VakifBank and Eczacıbaşı Dynavit. Except for a brief setback in the second set, VakifBank maintained control and powered through to a 3-1 win (25-19, 23-25, 25-19, 25-21). Canadian opposite Kiera Van Ryk delivered a commanding performance with 28 points, while Zehra Güneş contributed significantly on defense with 8 blocks. Eczacıbaşı’s Serbian opposite Tijana Bošković led her side with 22 points in a valiant but unsuccessful effort.

In another electrifying derby, reigning Turkish champions and recent national cup winners Fenerbahçe Medicana faced Galatasaray Daikin. The match was a rollercoaster, with both sides exchanging set wins and forcing a tie-break. Galatasaray’s resilience paid off in the decider, sealing the victory 3-2 (25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-10). Turkish outside hitter Ilkin Aydın starred for Galatasaray with a superb all-around display—scoring 31 points with a 61% attack success, six blocks, and two aces. Melissa Vargas responded with 32 points for Fenerbahçe in a high-scoring duel.

With the race for domestic titles heating up, the #CLVolleyW semifinalists continue to prove why they are among the elite of European volleyball—balancing continental ambition with national glory.