CEV Cup: ACH Volley Ljubljana eliminate Fenerbahce to reach semifinals!

ACH Volley Ljubljana booked their place in the 2025/26 CEV Cup semifinals after defeating Fenerbahce Medicana Istanbul 1-3 (25:19, 19:25, 21:25, 16:25) in the second leg of the quarterfinals at the Burhan Felek Volleyball Hall in Istanbul!
After narrowly winning the first match in Ljubljana at tie break, a week ago, the Slovenian champions confirmed their form with a strong performance on the road, advancing with two victories in the series, marking the third time in club history that they have reached the semifinals of Europe’s second-tier competition, keeping alive hopes of lifting the trophy again after their 2007 triumph.
The hosts started the match strongly, with the opening set that remained level until 16–15, when Fenerbahce created their gap thanks to a block and an ace from Polish setter Fabian Drzyzga, another ace by Barthelemy Chinenyeze, and a back-row attack from Earvin Ngapeth. Opposite Adis Lagumdzija finished the set with a powerful spike to give the Turkish side a 25–19 lead.
Ljubljana, however, regrouped quickly in the second set, led by opposite Toncek Stern and surged to a seven-point advantage early, keeping control despite a late push from Fenerbahce, who closed the gap to 21–19. The Slovenian side responded with four straight points to level the match 25–19.
The third set followed a similar pattern, with Stern who remained the visitors’ major weapon and added two serve aces, while Fenerbahce committed several unforced errors.
Although the Turkish side briefly threatened late in the set, Ljubljana closed with three consecutive points. Aleb Pajenk delivered the decisive attack to secure the set 25–21 and put the team from Slovenia capital one step from victory.
After a balanced start in fourth set until 7–7, Ljubljana took control.
Their attack proved nearly unstoppable, reaching an impressive 84% success rate in the set. Two consecutive aces from Stern brought up match point, and Pajenk sealed the win with another powerful finish for 25–16, completing a well-deserved 3–1 victory.
Toncek Stern earned MVP honors after an outstanding performance, finishing as the match’s top scorer with 30 points, including four aces and a block, Alen Pajenk added 12 points, while captain Tine Urnaut also contributed with 10.
For Fenerbahce, Adis Lagumdzija was the most prolific player with 18 points, while Earvin Ngapeth scored 11 and Barthelemy Chinenyeze added 10.
The winners will now face Italy’s Gas Sales Bluenergy Piacenza in the semifinals, who easily eliminated Berlin Recycling Volleys with a double straight sets win.