Fenerbahçe and head coach Marcello Abbondanza, who is also the selector of Bulgaria, are going through a difficult period after the team was eliminated in the semifinals of the Turkish Cup. The "Yellow Canaries" lost to their big rival Eczacıbaşı Dynavit 1:3 (22:25, 17:25, 25:22, 31:33) and ended their participation one step away from the final.

This defeat comes as a continuation of the negative streak for the Istanbul giants, who just days ago were eliminated from European club tournaments. At that time, Fenerbahçe dramatically exited in the quarterfinals against Italian Scandicci after a golden set, which dealt a serious psychological blow to the team.
In Ankara, the scenario was again not in favor of Abbondanza's squad. Eczacıbaşı dominated the first two sets, taking advantage of Fenerbahçe's reception fluctuations and game organization. Despite the reaction in the third set, when the "Yellow Canaries" reduced their deficit, the fourth set turned into new disappointment – missed opportunities and nerves in key moments led to the dramatic 31:33.
Thus, within a short period, Fenerbahçe lost both of its main goals outside the championship – first in Europe, and now in the Cup tournament. The pressure on Marcello Abbondanza will inevitably increase, especially given the expectations for a star-studded squad.
On the other hand, Eczacıbaşı demonstrated stability in decisive moments and deservedly qualified for the final, where they will contend for the trophy with VakıfBank.
For Fenerbahçe, only the battle in the championship remains, but after two consecutive heavy blows, the question is to what extent the team will be able to recover mentally and in terms of play in the most important part of the season.

photos:tvf.org.trandfenerbahce.org