The 2024/25 CEV Women’s Champions League season delivered a thrilling journey for volleyball fans across Europe and beyond. The competition showcased the best of women’s volleyball, from intense group stage clashes to unforgettable knockout battles. This year’s campaign stood out for its high-level play, dramatic finishes, and the dominant presence of Italian clubs throughout the tournament. Those following the action through platforms like Merkur XTip were treated to surprises, shifting odds, and memorable individual performances every step of the way.
Quarterfinals: Italian Powerhouses Make a Statement
Vero Volley Milano commanded in their quarterfinal matchup against Turkish powerhouse Eczacıbaşı. Winning both legs in straight sets, Milano completely shut down their opponents. The decisive second leg in Istanbul ended 3–0 (26–24, 26–24, 25–21), confirming Milano’s control. Miryam Sylla led with 15 points, followed by rising star Hena Kurtagić (13 points, including three crucial aces in the third set) and Paola Egonu with 11. Despite Tijana Bošković scoring 16 points for Eczacıbaşı, the Turkish team’s campaign ended in disappointment, especially given their status as one of the title favorites.
Defending champions Conegliano also breezed through their quarterfinals, dispatching Polish side Developres Rzeszów without dropping a set. Their away victory of 3–0 (25–22, 25–17, 29–27) featured standout performances from Zhu Ting (18 points) and Brazilian star Gabi (15 points), once again demonstrating Conegliano’s status as one of the world’s most formidable squads.
Meanwhile, the Istanbul derby between Fenerbahçe and VakifBank proved to be the most dramatic encounter of the quarterfinals. Fenerbahçe dominated the first leg away from home with a 3–0 win (25–21, 25–23, 29–27), led by Arina Fedorovtseva, who earned MVP honors with 13 points. VakifBank, coached by Giovanni Guidetti, responded with a 3–1 victory in the second leg (19–25, 25–23, 25–20, 26–24) to force a golden set. In the decider, VakifBank maintained composure and emerged victorious 15–11. Marina Markova stole the show with 30 points, while Kiera Van Ryk (22 points) and Zehra Güneş (12 points, including nine blocks) were also key contributors.
Italian club Scandicci continued its flawless run, overpowering Poland’s Budowlani Łódź with back-to-back 3–0 wins. They reached the semifinals without dropping a single set—an impressive 24–0 streak. Ekaterina Antropova scored 19 points in one of the matches, with Paulina Damaske leading the Polish side with 20. Scandicci’s dominance at the net (16 blocks to 8) and superior serving sealed their status as the tournament’s surprise package.
Semifinals: Conegliano Handles Milan, Scandicci Stuns VakifBank
The all-Italian semifinal between Conegliano and Vero Volley Milano, a rematch of last year’s final, lived up to expectations. Conegliano won 3–1 (25–21, 20–25, 25–17, 25–23), showcasing their consistency and firepower. Although Milano fought back in the second set with an incredible 12–1 run, led by Paola Egonu and Elena Cazaute, Conegliano’s depth proved decisive. Zhu Ting (21 points) and Isabelle Haak (20 points) were unstoppable for the reigning champs.
In the second semifinal, Scandicci produced one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by dismantling multi-time champions VakifBank in straight sets (25–12, 25–19, 25–21) in Istanbul. Maja Ognjenović orchestrated the game flawlessly and added 6 points herself. Ekaterina Antropova again scored 17 points, supported by Britt Herbots with 12. The result secured Scandicci’s first-ever Champions League final appearance, capping a historic run. For VakifBank, Marina Markova was the top scorer with 10 points.
Final Showdown and Bronze Medal Match
The all-Italian final on May 4, 2025, featured Conegliano and Scandicci battling for the crown. Conegliano proved too strong, winning the final in straight sets and claiming their third European title—and second in a row. Isabelle Haak was named the MVP of the final tournament, rounding off a perfect season for a team that lifted every major trophy on offer.
In the bronze medal match, Vero Volley Milano returned from their semifinal defeat to defeat VakifBank 3–1, securing third place. Milano’s ability to recover and dominate in this match confirmed their place among Europe’s elite and added a well-earned medal to their 2025 campaign.
A Season to Remember for Italian Volleyball
The 2024/25 CEV Women’s Champions League will become a historic season of Italian dominance. With Conegliano, Scandicci, and Milano occupying the podium, Italy’s strength in women’s volleyball was on full display. Fans witnessed thrilling matches, top-tier individual performances, and the rise of new contenders. Whether following the action courtside or tracking odds and results via Merkur XTip, this season proved to be one of the most entertaining in recent memory.
