Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray Set Up a 100% Turkish EuroLeague Final

Galatasaray will face Fenerbahçe in the EuroLeague Womens’ final this Sunday, April 19, in Zaragoza, following two semifinals comfortably controlled by the Istanbul clubs. Marine Johannès’s club defeated Zaragoza (63-56), while Gabby Williams and Iliana Rupert‘s side eliminated Girona (76-59). The final will therefore pit three French internationals against each other in the match for the continental title.

Marine Johannès Sparked Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe Responded Like Champions

Galatasaray came out firing against Zaragoza féminin, in an arena backing the Spanish side. The Turkish club already led 24-4 at the end of the first quarter, fueled by the immediate shooting of Marine Johannès (5’10 », 31). The French guard finished with 16 points on 4 three-pointers and 4 assists in the 63-56 win, despite a late Zaragoza comeback after a deficit that had grown to 27 points.

After the game, Marine Johannès savored the qualification: « I’m happy and we’re proud of the team. It was a tough game, not easy in front of their fans. We started the game the right way, then the other team came back, we had to stay focused and we can be proud. We have a really good chemistry. »

In the other semifinal, Fenerbahçe handled Girona (76-59) with its characteristic depth and density. Emma Meesseman once again made her presence felt with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, in a team that had five players in double figures. The Turkish club made the decisive move after a scrappy start, with a 16-5 run that opened up the gap before halftime.

Coach Miguel Mendez emphasized the collective nature of the performance: « My players had a great game. We had to find offensive solutions and the right players at the right time. With our defense and our rotation, we found our game. In the end, we still have our usual numbers, with 23 assists and five players in double figures. That’s how we need to win, with team basketball. »

A Final That Smells Like Revenge Between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray

This Women’s EuroLeague final will inevitably carry a sense of revenge. Just two weeks ago, Fenerbahce féminin dominated Galatasaray in the 2025-2026 Turkish championship final to claim a 20th national title, wrapping up the series with a 3-0 sweep. The two Istanbul giants now meet again on the European stage, with even higher stakes.

FIBA also notes that this matchup is a remake of the 2014 continental final between the two Istanbul rivals. This time, Galatasaray will arrive with the momentum of its dominant opener against Zaragoza, but also with concerns over Dorka Juhász, who left injured before halftime of the semifinal.

On Fenerbahçe’s side, the ambition is clear. Already appearing in a fourth final in five editions, the Turkish club is targeting another continental crown after again showcasing its firepower and squad depth. With Gabby Williams, Iliana Rupert, Emma Meesseman and the recent addition of Breanna Stewart for this Final Six, the favorites have everything needed to pose an enormous challenge to Galatasaray.

Three French Players, One European Trophy

For French basketball, this matchup is particularly compelling. Marine Johannès will try to deliver the trophy to Galatasaray after being the spark of the semifinal. On the other side, Gabby Williams and Iliana Rupert want to close out the European season with Fenerbahçe, in a team that goes in as the favorite.