Ankara: Trkiye advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 CEV Women's European Volleyball Championship after defeating Germany 3-1 in Istanbul on Thursday. The reigning champions won the first, third, and fourth sets 25-18, 25-18, and 25-22, while Germany took the second set 25-22.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trkiye made a strong start to the opening set, taking a 5-1 lead and forcing Germany to call an early timeout. Germany narrowed the deficit to 11-9, but Trkiye regained control and extended their advantage to 15-10, prompting another German timeout. Trkiye moved 17-10 ahead following the timeout, but Germany produced a 4-0 run to reduce the deficit to 17-14, forcing Trkiye coach Daniele Santarelli to call his first timeout of the set. The hosts regained their composure to close out the set 25-18. Melissa Vargas led the way with eight points, including four aces, while Ilkin Aydin added seven.

Germany started the second set strongly, building a 6-1 advantage and forcing Santarelli to call an early timeout. Trkiye reduced the gap to three points at 9-6, but Germany maintained their advantage. Santarelli used his second timeout of the set with Germany leading 15-10. The hosts cut the deficit to 22-19, but Germany held on to win the set 25-22 and level the match at 1-1.

Trkiye regained control in the third set, taking an 8-5 lead before extending their advantage to 12-6. The home side remained in command for the rest of the set and won it 25-18 to move within one set of the semifinals.

The fourth set was closely contested in the early stages, with Trkiye holding a 9-7 lead. Trkiye gradually pulled away and opened a five-point advantage at 21-16. Germany attempted to fight back, but the reigning champions held their nerve to take the set 25-22 and complete a 3-1 victory. Vargas finished as the match's leading scorer with 26 points.

Trkiye will face Serbia in the semifinal in Istanbul on Saturday.