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VakifBank seals 7th European crown with 3-1 win over Eczacibasi in all-Turkish final

Zehra Gunes (18) of Vakifbank celebrates holding the trophy with team members claiming the CEV Champions League title following the CEV Women’s Champions League Final Four final match between Eczacibasi Dynavit and VakifBank at Ulker Sports and Event Hall in Istanbul, Türkiye, May 3, 2026. (AA Photo)
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Zehra Gunes (18) of Vakifbank celebrates holding the trophy with team members claiming the CEV Champions League title following the CEV Women’s Champions League Final Four final match between Eczacibasi Dynavit and VakifBank at Ulker Sports and Event Hall in Istanbul, Türkiye, May 3, 2026. (AA Photo)
May 04, 2026 10:15 AM GMT+03:00

VakifBank claimed the CEV Zeren Group Women’s Champions League title with a 3-1 victory over Eczacibasi Dynavit in Istanbul, completing the campaign unbeaten and lifting the trophy for the seventh time.

VakifBank moved quickly to take control of the final, winning the opening two sets 25-20 and 25-21. Their early dominance put pressure on Eczacibasi, as the yellow-and-black side built momentum in front of a home crowd in Türkiye.

Eczacibasi respond but cannot carry momentum

Eczacibasi managed to push back in the third set, taking it 25-21 and briefly shifting the rhythm of the match.

However, VakifBank regained its composure in the fourth set, closing it out 25-18 to secure the title without allowing the match to extend further.

Guidetti’s side completes unbeaten European run

Coached by Giovanni Guidetti, VakifBank wrapped up the tournament without a single defeat, underlining the team's consistency throughout Europe’s top-tier club competition.

The victory adds to its previous titles in 2011, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2023, reinforcing its position among the continent’s most successful teams.

Magdalena Stysiak (3) of Eczacibasi Dynavit in action against Derya Cebecioglu (R) of Vakifbank during the CEV Women’s Champions League Final Four final match between Eczacibasi Dynavit and VakifBank at Ulker Sports and Event Hall in Istanbul, Türkiye, May 3, 2026. (AA Photo)
Magdalena Stysiak (3) of Eczacibasi Dynavit in action against Derya Cebecioglu (R) of Vakifbank during the CEV Women’s Champions League Final Four final match between Eczacibasi Dynavit and VakifBank at Ulker Sports and Event Hall in Istanbul, Türkiye, May 3, 2026. (AA Photo)

All-Turkish final highlights national dominance

The match marked another all-Turkish final between the two sides, following their previous meeting in the 2022-2023 season, which VakifBank also won. With both finalists representing Türkiye, the country secured its 27th international club trophy in women’s volleyball, continuing its strong presence on the global stage.

Eczacibasi, who had advanced to the final after defeating Italy’s Savino Del Bene in the semi-finals, was aiming to lift the trophy for the second time, having last won it in 2015.

May 04, 2026 10:17 AM GMT+03:00
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