Ziraat Bank Ankara lift maiden European trophy

Full-house at TVF Ziraat Bankkart Volleyball Hall in Ankara witnessed historic moments for Ziraat Bank Ankara, who won the CEV Volleyball Cup 2025 Men, securing their first-ever European trophy. In front of the home crowd Ziraat defeated the reigning champion Asseco Resovia Rzeszów 3-1 in the decisive final match. Matthew Anderson, the true-born leader and Volleyball superstar, led Ziraat hammering a match-high 24 points, including seven aces, and was named the MVP of the final encounter.

Ziraat Bank Ankara - Asseco Resovia Rzeszów 3-1 (20-25, 25-17, 28-26, 25-14)

After earning a 3-2 win in the first clash of the final double-header, Ziraat Bank Ankara was one step from earning their historic trophy. However, the defending champions, Asseco Resovia Rzeszów, arrived in Ankara eager to take revenge. The team from Rzeszów had a chance to go down in history as the first back-to-back champion, and they opened the final game on a high note. Powered by Bartosz Bednorz and Stephen Boyer, Resovia proved better in the opening set, winning it 25-20. It didn't discourage the hosts, who returned to the court with new energy. Matthew Anderson and Vahit Emre Savas led the charge, scoring seven and six points, respectively, in the second set. The biggest difference was made by Anderson's serves, since he delivered 5 aces. With such performances, Ankara won the set 25-17.

The third set turned out to be the most dramatic. Ziraat kicked it off in the best fashion, taking a 5-0 lead and keeping the score safe until 13-9. Resovia didn't give up; great serves and spikes from Klemen Cebulj and Bartosz Bednorz helped the team reduce the gap (13-12). From that moment the set was continued as a thrilling point-by-point race that was extended into extra time. Matthew Anderson again played in a class of his own, scoring eight points. Ziraat kept the momentum and completely outclassed Resovia in the fourth set, aiming firmly for their maiden trophy. The team around coach Mustafa Kavaz sealed the final victory, winning the last set 25-14.

MVP Matthew Anderson tallied a match-high 24 points, including 7 aces, 1 block, and 16 kills at 53% success. He was followed by Vahit Emre Savas, who contributed with 16 points (4 blocks, 3 aces, and 9 kills - 75% success).