THY Women won a dramatic Istanbul derby against Galatasaray Women, edging a five-set thriller 3-2 in the Sultanlar Ligi Women on October 5, 2026. The home side prevailed 25-23, 22-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-13 to claim two crucial points in the Turkish top flight.

The match lived up to its billing as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the early season. Both teams traded blows throughout, with momentum swinging repeatedly before THY Women finally sealed victory on their fourth match point in a tense deciding set.

Match Overview

THY Women started the stronger, taking a tight first set 25-23. Their opposite hitter was in imperious form, scoring from the front and back rows, while the home block managed to contain Galatasaray’s powerful outside attack. Galatasaray, however, responded immediately, levelling the match with a 25-22 second-set win built on improved serving and some outstanding defence from their libero.

The third set was the most one-sided of the night. THY Women raced into an early lead and never looked back, taking it 25-20. Their setter varied the offence brilliantly, involving both middles and keeping Galatasaray’s block guessing. But Galatasaray refused to fade. They fought back in the fourth set, saving two match points at 22-24 before winning four straight points to steal it 25-23 and force a decider.

The fifth set was a classic. Galatasaray led 8-6 at the change of ends, and at 13-12 they seemed poised to complete the comeback. But THY Women showed composure beyond their years, winning the final three points—two on blocks—to close out a memorable 15-13 victory.

Key Moments

• First set: A 4-0 serving run from THY’s captain gave the hosts a 22-19 lead, which they protected to take the opener.
• Second set: Galatasaray’s blocking improved dramatically, with three blocks in a five-point span midway through the set.
• Third set: THY’s opposite produced four consecutive kills to turn a 12-11 lead into a comfortable 18-12 cushion.
• Fourth set: Galatasaray saved two match points at 22-24, then won the next two points to force a fifth set.
• Fifth set: At 12-13, THY’s middle blocker produced a crucial solo block, sparking a 3-0 run to end the match.

Tactical Story

The difference between the two sides was THY Women’s efficiency in the clutch. They converted 64% of their side-out opportunities in the fifth set, compared to Galatasaray’s 52%. Their serving was also more aggressive when it mattered, forcing Galatasaray into two errant passes in the final five points.

Galatasaray will regret their missed opportunities in the fourth set. They had two match points against them at 22-24 but played fearless volleyball to extend the match. However, the emotional energy spent in that comeback may have left them slightly flat at the start of the fifth. THY’s coach made a smart substitution, bringing in a defensive specialist who stabilized the backcourt and allowed the block to set up.

Both teams showed why the Sultanlar Ligi Women is considered one of the strongest leagues in the world. The quality of attacking, blocking, and defence on display was exceptional, and the atmosphere in the arena was electric from start to finish.

Standout Players

THY Women’s opposite hitter was the undisputed player of the match, finishing with 31 points—a season-high for her. She attacked with 54% efficiency and added three blocks and two aces. The THY captain and setter also impressed, directing a balanced offence that saw four players reach double digits in scoring.

For Galatasaray, their star outside hitter fought valiantly, scoring 26 points and passing at a high level under pressure. Their libero was outstanding, recording 21 digs and keeping countless rallies alive. The Galatasaray middle blockers combined for 11 blocks but were less effective in the fifth set as THY’s tempo increased.

Sultanlar Ligi Women Table Impact

The victory lifts THY Women into the top four of the Sultanlar Ligi Women standings, level on points with the league’s early pacesetters. Galatasaray Women remain in the playoff hunt but miss the chance to leapfrog their city rivals. In a league where every point matters, this five-set defeat could prove significant come the end of the regular season.

Both teams will take heart from different aspects of the performance. THY Women proved they can win tight matches against elite opposition, a crucial trait for any title contender. Galatasaray showed tremendous character to force a fifth set and will know that on another night, the result could have gone their way. The reverse fixture in the second half of the season promises to be another classic.