Champions League Quarterfinals: Scandicci, Conegliano, and Eczacibasi Secure Crucial First-Leg Victories

Savino Del Bene Scandicci, A. Carraro Prosecco DOC Conegliano, and Eczacibasi Dynavit Istanbul have taken significant steps towards the CEV Champions League Final Four, each triumphing in their respective first-leg quarterfinal matches and establishing strong positions for the return legs.

Eczacibasi Dynavit Istanbul overcame an initial setback to defeat KS Developres Rzeszów 3-1 in front of their home crowd. Despite the Polish side, led by top scorer Taylor Bannister (21 points), confidently taking the first set, the Turkish hosts found their rhythm and asserted control from the second set onwards. Magdalena Stysiak contributed 18 points, while Ebrar Karakurt added 14. Middle blocker Sinead Jack-Kisal delivered an excellent performance, earning MVP honors with 15 points, including four crucial blocks.

Defending champions A. Carraro Prosecco DOC Conegliano showcased their dominance on the road, sweeping Ankara Zeren Spor Kulübü in straight sets. This commanding victory marks their 29th consecutive win in the Champions League, establishing a new competition record. Isabelle Haak and Zhu Ting each contributed 16 points, while Fatoumatta Sillah, named MVP, added 14 points to the Italian side's tally. For the host team, Aleksandra Uzelac led with 16 points and Anna Lazareva added 11.

In Florence, Savino Del Bene Scandicci bested Fenerbahçe Medicana Istanbul 3-0 in a match that, despite the clean sweep, was more tightly contested than the scoreline suggests. Ekaterina Antropova was exceptional, leading all scorers with 25 points, including six powerful aces. Camilla Weitzel added 12 points, and captain Caterina Bosetti earned MVP honors with 10 points. Fenerbahçe relied heavily on Melissa Vargas (23 points) and Arina Fedorovtseva (15 points), but Scandicci demonstrated superior composure in critical moments, particularly during a thrilling second set that concluded 31-29.

With these crucial first-leg victories, all three teams hold a significant advantage heading into next week's decisive second-leg fixtures, as the competition for a coveted spot in the Final Four heats up.

Results – CEV Champions League Volley 2026 Quarterfinals (First Leg)

• Eczacibasi Dynavit Istanbul def. KS Developres Rzeszów 3–1 (22–25, 25–12, 25–20, 25–23)
• A. Carraro Prosecco DOC Conegliano def. Ankara Zeren Spor Kulübü 3–0 (25–21, 25–18, 25–17)
• Savino Del Bene Scandicci def. Fenerbahçe Medicana Istanbul 3–0 (25–23, 31–29, 25–19)