ARCHIVE: Novara vs VakifBank | Full Match | CEV Champions League Volley 2019

ARCHIVE: Novara vs VakifBank | Full Match | CEV Champions League Volley 2019. This was not just a semifinal. This was WAR.

After stunning VakıfBank 3–0 in Istanbul in the first leg, Novara returned home knowing the job was not finished. On April 10, 2019, in a packed Pala Igor, the reigning European champions came out determined to fight back and they did exactly that.

VakıfBank started with incredible intensity. Behind the leadership and scoring power of Zhu Ting, the Turkish giants took the first set 25–23 and followed with a dominant 25–20 in the second. Their block-defense system was working perfectly, their serves were aggressive, and suddenly the pressure was completely on Novara.

But champions respond.

In the third set, Paola Egonu took over. With explosive attacks from the right side and fearless serving, she ignited the arena and pushed Novara to a commanding 25–15 win. The energy shifted. The crowd believed again.

Still, VakıfBank refused to collapse. They regrouped and closed the fourth set 25–21, winning the match 3–1 and leveling the semifinal over two legs.

And that meant only one thing…

🔥 GOLDEN SET. 🔥

One set to 15 points. Win by two. No tomorrow.

The tension was unreal. Every rally felt like a final point. VakıfBank built momentum late and reached 14–12, holding TWO match points. They were one swing away from another Champions League final.

But Novara would not die.

Under maximum pressure, Egonu delivered. The Italian side saved both match points, tied it at 14–14, and then scored two straight points to complete an unbelievable comeback. Final score in the Golden Set: 16–14 for Novara.

Four consecutive points. From elimination… to history.

Paola Egonu delivered one of the most iconic performances of the season, carrying Novara in the most critical moments. Zhu Ting was phenomenal for VakıfBank and nearly pushed her team through, but in the end, it was Novara’s night.

This victory sent Novara to their first-ever CEV Champions League Super Final and marked the end of VakıfBank’s title defense in one of the most heartbreaking finishes ever seen in European volleyball.

If you love dramatic comebacks, elite-level volleyball, and unforgettable Golden Set moments — this is a match you must watch.

All Credits by CEV

EuroVolleyTV: link.cev.eu/EVTVPVolley