Galatasaray Daikin dominate Voluntari to take first-leg lead in CEV Cup

Galatasaray Daikin Istanbul recorded a straight-sets victory in the first leg of the CEV Volleyball Cup 2026 | Women semi-finals. The Turkish side defeated CSO Voluntari 2005 3-0 (25-14, 25-15, 25-19) at the Burhan Felek Volleyball Hall in Istanbul.

Galatasaray Daikin Istanbul (TUR) vs CSO Voluntari 2005 (ROU) 3-0 (25-14, 25-15, 25-19)

In a clash between two teams led by Italian coaches, the younger of the two, Alberto Bigarelli (36), guided Galatasaray to victory over Voluntari, coached by the legendary Giovanni Caprara (64). The Turkish side confirmed their quality in a match where the outcome was rarely in doubt.

After an even start, Galatasaray broke away from 4-4 with a 3-0 run to move ahead 7-4. Following a narrow 10-8 lead, the hosts added three consecutive points to extend the gap to 13-8. As the set progressed, Galatasaray became increasingly confident, opening a 17-11 advantage before comfortably closing the set 25-14 for a 1-0 lead. Galatasaray committed only two errors in the opening set while recording five blocks, three aces and a 54% positive reception. Voluntari, meanwhile, had eight errors and a 39% positive reception. Ilkin Aydin led the hosts with five points, while Britt Bongaerts, Wang Yuanyuan, Alexia Carutasu and Myriam Sylla added three points each. Hannah Duchesneau scored six for Voluntari.

The teams were evenly matched again at the start of the second set. Voluntari showed improvement, but Galatasaray first extended their lead to more than a single point at 17-13. The Turkish side maintained control from that moment on, moving to 19-14 and 23-15 before sealing the set 25-15 for a 2-0 advantage. Statistically, Galatasaray were even more dominant in the second set, recording 62% positive reception, five aces, two blocks and only two errors. Voluntari posted 40% positive reception, three blocks and ten errors.
Carutasu led the way for Galatasaray with seven points, including four aces, while Wang added five points (one block, 80% attack efficiency). Duchesneau was again Voluntari’s top scorer with five points in the set.

Galatasaray stormed into the third set with an impressive 8-0 run, leaving Voluntari struggling to respond after losing the opening two sets convincingly. Midway through the set, the hosts led 11-6, but the visitors managed to reduce the deficit to a single point at 13-12. Galatasaray regained control entering the closing stages at 19-14 and later extended their lead to 22-16 before closing the set 25-19 to secure the match 3-0.

Carutasu was the top scorer of the match with 17 points (four aces, two blocks, 42% attack). Aydin contributed 11 points (three blocks, one ace, nine receptions, 56% positive). Duchesneau was the only Voluntari player to reach double digits with 15 points (31 receptions, 35% positive, 45% attack). 

The second leg will be played on Wednesday, 18 March at 19:00 local time in Bucharest.