What started in late November will reach its full significance and finale this Wednesday – the final round of the CEV Women's Volleyball Champions League group stage brings a climax, drama and matches that promise a top-notch spectacle. The last 10 matches in all six groups – all on the same day.
Although some positions have already been cemented, the stakes are still huge: the fight for first place in groups A, C and E, a direct qualification to the quarterfinals and avoiding an additional play-off round, but also the continuation of one of the most exciting rivalries in modern European volleyball - the Italian-Turkish one, which has been bringing the audience to their feet for years.
Clash of the titans and the fight for the top
In Group A, all the spotlight is on Istanbul, where VakifBank will welcome the current world club champion, Skandići.
VakifBank, six-time Champions League winners, have already won 3-1 in Florence this season – Skandići wants a rematch. The Italians still have a chance to take first place from their rivals and directly qualify for the quarter-finals, but they need a maximum win to do so.
It will be a clash of philosophies, experience and immense quality – as the official CEV website announces for the duel on the Bosphorus.
"A match in which statistics, tradition and current form stand side by side with the emotion and pressure of high stakes," it states.
VakifBank captain Zehra Gineš dominates the net, while the attacking line is led by the unstoppable Tijana Bošković, with great support from Marina Markova.
The home team's coach, Giovanni Guidetti, is aware that his team is facing a serious challenge:
"This time we are playing against a complete and healthy Scandici. I expect a real fight and a high-level match, as befits the Champions League," said Guidetti ahead of the match.
In the second match of the group, Volero and Alba Blaž are fighting an important battle for third place and the continuation of the European season through the CEV Cup.
Fenerbahçe is safe, the others are looking for a way out
Group B has already found a winner – the mighty Fenerbahçe, with all five wins, confidently holds the top spot. However, the “yellow angels” are not letting up, because each set could mean an easier path to the final four. And while the Turkish team welcomes Budovlani Lodz, a match of prestige, but also of significant results, is being played in Novara, especially for the guests, the Benfica team, which dreams of a historic feat and the continuation of the European fairy tale.
Italy – Turkey, the continuation of the great story
The real fireworks are expected in Group C, where Vero Volej Milano and Ezaçibashi are playing for first place and a direct place in the quarterfinals. The first duel in Istanbul was a real thriller, ending in five sets and in favor of the Turkish team, and now Vero Volej has the advantage of home court and the support of a full hall.
The calculation is clear – the winner goes directly to the quarterfinals, the loser will have to go to the play-offs (round of 16).
Paola Egonu leads the home team, while Ezachibashi, with Italian coach Giulio Bregoli, is looking for a rematch and confirmation of their quality. Everything smells like another dramatic duel that will be fought until the last point.
In the same group, Olympiacos hosts Železničar in Lajkovac in a match that could earn the Greeks a playoff berth as the best third-placed team, provided that some other results are predicted.
Confident leaders and the fight for hope
In Group D, European champions Conegliano have already secured first place, but they are looking to continue their impressive run of 27 consecutive Champions League wins. The Italian “panthers” welcome LSK Lodz with the aim of further boosting their confidence and entering the knockout stages in top form.
In the second match, Dresden is looking for a feat and has a great chance in front of the home crowd – a win guarantees the Germans a place in the playoffs as the best third-placed team. The “problem” is that their rival is extremely strong – the Turkish Zeren Spor.
And fourth in the table wants the European fairy tale to continue
A special drama is expected in Group E, where a direct duel between Rešovija and Palmberg will decide who goes directly to the quarterfinals and who has to go to the play-offs. The Poles are two points behind, but also have home field advantage – any victory will bring them first place, considering that they won 3:2 in the first duel in Germany.
In Paris, Levallois and Marica Plovdiv are playing for European survival – the French dream of victory, a favorable outcome in the other groups and a play-off spot, the Bulgarians want to continue the competition through the CEV Cup. The stakes are therefore huge, regardless of the fact that the third and fourth place teams in the group will meet directly.
Pairs of the 7th round
GROUP A
Alba Blaž – Volero (17 p.m.)
VakifBank – Skandići (17.30)
Table: VakifBank 15, Skandići 12, Volero 3, Alba Blaž 0.
GROUP B
Fenerbahce – Budovlani Lodz (17)
Novara – Benfica (18)
Table: Fenerbahce 14, Novara 10, Budovlani Lodz 4, Benfica 2.
GROUP C
Železničar Lajkovac – Olympiacos (19)
Vero Volej Milano – Ezachibashi (20)
Table: Vero Volley Milan 13, Ezakybashi Istanbul 12, Olympiacos 5, Železničar 0.
GROUP D
Dresden – Ankara Zeren Spor (19)
Koneljano – LSK Lođ (20.30)
Table: Koneljano 14, Ankara Zeren Spor 10, Drezden 6, LSK Lođ 0.
GROUP E
Rešovija – Palmberg (18)
Levaloa Pariz – Marica Plovdiv (20)
Table: Palmberg 12, Rešovija 10, Marica Plovdiv 4, Levaloe Paris 4.
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