Vakifbank maintains Turkish Volleyball League lead despite losing libero Eylul Yatgin to a serious knee injury against Galatasaray.
During the fifth round of the Turkish Women's Volleyball Championship for the 2026/2027 season, Vakifbank faced Galatasaray on Sunday. While the team secured a victory, the celebrations were heavily muted after starting libero Eylul Yatgin suffered a severe left knee injury in the opening set.
The emotional impact resonated across the court as even opposing players, such as Ilkin Aydin, openly wept before the match could resume. Vakifbank later released an official club statement explaining that a definitive medical diagnosis remains pending until all medical examinations are completed.
Following the conclusion of the match, head coach Giovanni Guidetti admitted that the talented player will likely face a lengthy recovery period away from the sport, according to information published by WEBVOLEI.
Giovanni Guidetti Comments on the Injury
Head coach Giovanni Guidetti expressed deep sorrow over the physical setback affecting the Vakifbank squad. He noted that the player was showing consistent daily progress and displayed a wonderful character on the court.
Guidetti stated that the entire team feels heartbroken not only because of the physical trauma itself, but also because of the extended time she will spend away from competitive matches during the current volleyball season.
Match Outcome and Standings
Despite dealing with the emotional shock and losing their starting libero early in the match, Vakifbank maintained exceptional emotional control to secure a dominant 3 to 0 victory against Galatasaray.
The set scores finished 25-20, 25-20, and 25-22 in favor of the visiting side, allowing Vakifbank to successfully maintain their position at the very top of the Turkish league standings.
Top Scorers in the Match
Star player Tijana Boskovic led the offensive efforts for Vakifbank by contributing a game-high 17 points, finishing just one point ahead of teammate Marina Markova.
On the opposing side of the net, Ilkin Aydin was the sole player for Galatasaray to reach double digits in scoring, finishing the encounter with a total of 13 points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Eylul Yatgin during the Vakifbank match?
Eylul Yatgin, the libero for Vakifbank, suffered a severe left knee injury during the first set of the match against Galatasaray in the Turkish Women's Volleyball Championship.
How long will Eylul Yatgin be out of the court?
Head coach Giovanni Guidetti stated that the injury is expected to keep her sidelined for a long duration, though an official and exact diagnosis awaits final medical test results.
Who were the top scorers for Vakifbank against Galatasaray?
Tijana Boskovic led Vakifbank with 17 points, closely followed by Marina Markova with 16 points in the straight-set victory.
Did Vakifbank win the match despite the injury?
Yes, Vakifbank maintained their emotional composure to defeat Galatasaray 3 to 0 with set scores of 25-20, 25-20, and 25-22, keeping their lead in the Turkish league.
