No one like Vakifbank - neither in women's nor men's volleyball; Tijana Bošković receives the club's biggest trophy

Some victories are measured by trophies. Others are measured by moments.

This is how the official CEV website begins its report from the final match of the Women's Volleyball Champions League, in which the VakifBank Istanbul team defeated their city rival, the Ezachibashi team, 3:1 (25:20, 25:21, 21:25, 25:18) and climbed to the European roof for the record seventh time in history.

No one has ever ruled Europe seven times, neither in men's nor women's competition - the Turkish volleyball team did it, celebrating in their own city, against a city rival.

“On a tense Sunday night in Istanbul, under the lights of a sold-out Ulker Sports and Event Hall and in front of 13.500 spectators, VakifBank Istanbul did much more than defeat their city rival. They made European volleyball history,” CEV wrote.

And at the heart of it all stood a player who had been waiting for this very moment for years.

"Finally," said Finals MVP Tijana Bošković, when asked what her first Champions League gold medal meant to her after more than a decade of playing at the highest level.

I feel relieved after so many years... I was patient and finally did what I wanted to do for a long time."

For the volleyball and sports superstar from Serbia, who has won world championships, club world championships and domestic trophies, the biggest European club trophy had long been out of reach. Until Sunday night, against the club whose colors she wore for a full decade, which she also led as captain.

Tijana played a match for history – she was unstoppable in attack, precise in key moments and decisive every time VakifBank needed her. In the end – a phenomenal 33 points.

Alongside her, Marina Markova continued her stellar run in the Champions League, with 26 points. Tijana and Marina formed the most lethal attacking duo of the final, and perhaps the entire competition.

However, the VakifBank trophy is not just a story about individuals, it is not just a story about the final – it was built through incredible drama that unfolded throughout the weekend.

Because, less than 24 hours earlier, VakifBank had pulled off one of the most incredible comebacks in the Champions League semi-finals, coming from 0-2 down against reigning European champions and top-four favourites Konyaalti, saving four match points. It was their third comeback from two sets down this season – something no club had ever done in a single Champions League season before.

"I feel extremely happy because this group has worked hard all season and has improved a lot. There are many stories in this team, special and magical. They are winners. There is nothing else to say," said coach Giovanni Guidetti, who with this title reached his seventh Champions League.

VakiBank played its last four Champions League games, before the final, in five sets – the team was in shape under pressure and grinding through adversity.

Against Ezachibashi, Tijana Bošković and her teammates controlled the first two sets with discipline and composure, stopping Ebrar Karakurt and Sinijad Džek-Kisal, while also relying on their own defense. Ezachibashi fought back in the third set, but VakifBank responded in the fourth and finished the match with the same determination that had carried them throughout the weekend.

For Ezakibasi, another painful finale in a season that had shown great promise, after a brilliant and equally dramatic victory over Skandici (3:2) in the semifinals. Ebrar Karakurt had 20 points in the final performance, while Siniyad Dzek-Kisal added 14, but it was not enough against the rhythm of VakifBank.

Third place and the bronze medal were won by the volleyball team of Koneljana, who defeated Skandići 3:0 (25:16, 26:24, 27:25) in the consolation final.

F4 Dream Team

MVP: Tijana Bošković (VakifBank Istanbul/Serbia)

Proofreader: Tijana Bošković (VakifBank Istanbul/Serbia)

Technician: Žoana Vološ (Koneljano/Poland)

Middle blockers: Siniyad Jack-Kisal (Ezachibashi/Turkey) and Zehra Gunes (VakifBank Istanbul/Turkey)

Receivers: Marina Markova ((VakifBank Istanbul/Russia) and Ebrar Karakurt (Ezachibashi/Turkey)

Libero: Simge Sebnem Akoz (Ezachibashi/Turkey)

Coach: Giovanni Guidetti (VakifBank Istanbul/Italy)