The second week of the CEV Women’s Champions League 2025/26 confirmed the strength of Europe’s giants.

Italy’s trio of Imoco Conegliano, Vero Volley Milano, and Savino Del Bene Scandicci all swept their opponents with ruthless efficiency, underlining Serie A’s dominance on the continental stage. Conegliano crushed Dresdner SC in straight sets, Milano dismantled Železničar Lajkovac, and Scandicci rolled past Volero Le Cannet.

Turkey’s heavyweights also flexed their muscles. VakifBank recovered from a slow start to beat Alba Blaj 3–1, Fenerbahçe Medicana stunned Novara with a commanding 3–0 away win, and Ankara Zeren Spor celebrated a breakthrough by sweeping ŁKS Commercecon Łódź. 

Together, the Sultanlar Ligi clubs showed depth and strength across multiple pools, reinforcing their reputation as perennial contenders.

But that wasn’t the case for Eczacibasi Istanbul, who fell in Athens to Olympiacos. In front of a roaring Greek crowd, Olympiacos battled through five sets and held their nerve in the decisive tiebreak, clinching a famous 18–16 win. 

It was the upset of Matchday 2, a shock that throws Pool C wide open and proves that even the most decorated clubs can be toppled when faced with fearless challengers.

For Poland’s TAURON Liga representatives, however, Matchday 2 was a harsh reality check. All three clubs played away, and all three returned empty‑handed. 

PGE Budowlani Łódź battled bravely in Lisbon but fell to Sport Lisboa e Benfica in five sets. ŁKS Commercecon Łódź were swept by Ankara Zeren Spor, who celebrated a breakthrough win on home soil. And KS Developres Rzeszów, considered Poland’s strongest contender, were stunned in Paris by Levallois Paris SC, losing another five‑set thriller. 

Collectively, it was a bruising week that leaves Poland’s big three under pressure and chasing points in the next rounds.

Photos: European Volleyball