Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray step on court for EuroLeague Women progression battle
Fenerbahçe Opet and Galatasaray Çağdaş Faktoring are just one win away from the EuroLeague Women Top 6 as they prepare for crucial second-leg clashes in the play-in semi-final round, both on the road and both with the same target: closing out their series without needing a decisive third game.
Fenerbahçe Opet travel to Spain to face Spar Girona in the second game of their best-of-three matchup. The contest will be played at Pavelló Fontajau, with tip-off scheduled for 21:30 Turkish time. The Istanbul side hold a clear advantage after dominating the opening encounter at home, where they claimed an 87-69 victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
If Fenerbahçe secure another win in Girona, they will sweep the series 2-0 and officially book their place in the EuroLeague Women Top 6 phase. That stage, often referred to as the “Top 6” or “Final Six”, brings together the competition’s strongest teams for a decisive battle for the title, and Fenerbahçe aim to be there without complications.
However, a home win for Spar Girona would completely change the script. In that case, the series would be pushed to a third and final game. The decisive matchup is scheduled to be held in Istanbul, at Ülker Sports and Event Hall, on Tuesday, 3 March. With the home-court advantage in a potential Game 3, Fenerbahçe still hold the upper hand, but they are keen to avoid giving the Spanish side any momentum.
Galatasaray Çağdaş Faktoring face a very similar situation on French soil. The yellow-red side take on Landes in France in their own second game of the play-in semi-final series. This encounter will be played at Espace François Mitterrand, also starting at 21:30 Turkish time, creating a high-stakes simultaneous night for Turkish women’s basketball.
Galatasaray head into this clash buoyed by a solid win in the first game in Istanbul, where they defeated Landes 81-72. That result gave them a 1-0 series lead and the chance to finish the job away from home. A victory in France would send Galatasaray straight into the Top 6, matching Fenerbahçe’s objective and marking a major success for Turkish clubs in the competition.
If Landes manage to defend their home court and level the series at 1-1, everything will be decided in a third and final game. The last encounter, if needed, will be held in Istanbul on 3 March, giving Galatasaray the opportunity to play the deciding match in front of their own supporters.
Under the competition format, the teams that first reach two wins in these play-in semi-final series advance to the Top 6 from the semi-final path. The losing sides do not exit the tournament entirely but instead continue their campaign from the quarter-final stage. This structure makes every game critical: a win can secure a place among the elite, while a defeat can suddenly complicate the route to the title.
For Fenerbahçe, the task in Girona is to maintain the intensity and execution they showed in Istanbul. Their offensive rhythm and defensive pressure in the first meeting gave them a double-digit victory and clear control of the series. On the road, managing the atmosphere, staying composed under pressure, and controlling the tempo will be vital to prevent Girona from feeding off their home crowd and extending the series.
Spar Girona, on the other hand, will treat this game as a do-or-die final. After losing heavily in Istanbul, they now rely on their home court to spark a reaction. Expect them to play more aggressively, especially on defense, and to look for quick scoring runs to unsettle Fenerbahçe early. If they can slow down Fenerbahçe’s offense and turn the game into a physical battle, they may force a Game 3.
Galatasaray’s mission in France is similar in principle but slightly different in nuance. Having already proven they can break down Landes’ defense in Istanbul by scoring 81 points, they now need to adapt to a rival that will be tougher and more confident on its own floor. Controlling rebounds, limiting turnovers and managing game momentum will be key factors if they want to escape with a victory and close the series.
Landes, backed by their supporters at Espace François Mitterrand, know that one win at home would completely reset the series. They will likely attempt to increase defensive intensity and push the pace at opportune moments, trying to exploit any lapses in Galatasaray’s concentration. For the French side, extending the series to a third game in Istanbul is the first and only objective.
These parallel storylines create a unique night for Turkish women’s basketball. Two of the country’s most prominent clubs, both with rich histories and passionate fan bases, are simultaneously chasing Top 6 tickets, each starting from a position of strength. Their first-leg wins have put them firmly in control, but the nature of a best-of-three series means there is no room for complacency.
Psychologically, the second game can often be the trickiest for the team in front. With a 1-0 lead, there is a temptation to relax, knowing a safety net exists in the form of Game 3 at home. Coaches will be stressing the importance of treating the second match as a final, not as an opportunity to experiment. Finishing the series early not only avoids risk but also provides valuable rest and preparation time ahead of the demanding Top 6 phase.
From a tactical standpoint, both Turkish sides may look to start aggressively, aiming to silence the home crowds early. An assertive opening quarter can disrupt the opponent’s game plan, reduce the impact of the crowd and give the visiting team the confidence to control the rest of the contest. Conversely, allowing the hosts to build an early lead could make the evening much more complicated.
Another key element is rotation management. The condensed schedule of EuroLeague Women means that every extra game adds to the physical load. By closing the series 2-0, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray would avoid a high-pressure third game and have additional days to recover, analyze potential Top 6 opponents and fine-tune their systems. This strategic advantage can be crucial later in the competition, where small margins often decide who reaches the final stages.
For Turkish basketball overall, the possibility of having both Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray in the Top 6 underlines the country’s growing strength in the women’s game. Consistent appearances at advanced stages of European competitions help attract better players, increase visibility and further professionalize club structures. A double qualification would also enhance the domestic rivalry, as both clubs would then carry the national flag deeper into Europe.
Ultimately, the scenario is clear for both Istanbul giants: one more win will be enough. Fenerbahçe in Girona and Galatasaray in France control their own fate. Whether they finish the job in hostile arenas or are forced into dramatic deciding games in Istanbul on 3 March, these play-in semi-finals promise tension, high-level basketball and potentially a significant milestone for Turkish representation in EuroLeague Women.