The first bronze medal contest of the European Club Championships – Champions League 2025 brought two giants of the circuit onto the tatami: Galatasaray Istanbul (TUR) and Golden Gori (GEO). Both arrived with pedigree, history and an appetite for yet another podium finish.
Galatasaray made an electric start to the day, sweeping aside Lokomotiv – Green Hill (IJF) with a commanding 4-0 victory. Their momentum, however, was halted in a nail-biting encounter against Partizan (SRB), where a narrow 3-4 defeat pushed them into the repechage. Undeterred, they battled through with a 4-2 win over KBB Spor (TUR) before eliminating Sporting Club Lisbon (POR) to punch their ticket to the bronze medal showdown.
Golden Gori’s journey began with a strong 4-2 triumph over Jenys (KAZ), only to be stopped in the semi-final by the formidable Red Star Belgrade (SRB), who dispatched them 4-0. With pride at stake, Golden Gori arrived determined and dangerous.
Two renowned clubs. One place on the podium. The stage was set.
-90kg: Ivanov Strikes First
The opening bout pitted Ivaylo Ivanov (GAL) against Luka Jgenti (GEO). By the closing minute, Ivanov delivered two clean yuko scores with his trademark sumi-gaeshi, securing the first point for Galatasaray and setting an upbeat tone.
+70kg: Somkhishvili Levels the Field
Next came Hilal Ozturk vs Sophio Somkhishvili, a tactical, measured contest. Midway through, Somkhishvili capitalised with a precise te-waza attack for waza-ari. She held her ground with impressive composure, equalising the team score for Golden Gori.
+90kg: Tushishvili Dominates
A heavyweight clash followed as Mert Sismanlar faced Olympic medallist Guram Tushishvili. Within 30 seconds, Tushishvili stunned the arena with a sharp morote-seoi-nage for yuko, before launching a devastating o-soto-gari at 2:13 for waza-ari. His superiority was unmistakable, securing Golden Gori’s second point in emphatic style.
-57kg: Liparteliani’s Masterclass
World champion Eteri Liparteliani entered like a whirlwind against Hasret Bozkurt. Inside the first minute, she scored waza-ari, unleashing fast-paced, skilful judo both standing and on the ground. The finale came with a spectacular tai-otoshi, sealing an ippon and pushing Golden Gori into a commanding 3-1 lead.
-73kg: A Rollercoaster Conclusion
With the pressure squarely on Ejder Toktay (GAL), victory against Giorgi Chikhelidze was essential. Toktay started brightly, scoring yuko, then adding waza-ari through an excellent counter to uchi-mata.
However, in true Georgian fashion, Chikhelidze turned the tide. Closing the distance, he executed a textbook koshi-guruma and secured the ippon hold, sealing the match, and the bronze medal, for Golden Gori.
Final score: 4-1 to Golden Gori. It was decisive. It was dynamic and it was over. Golden Gori are officially one of the bronze medallists of the Champions League 2025.
Giorgi Chikhelidze
On delivering the winning winning point:
“It was very important and I am happy to win it. My opponent was tired, and I felt the moment but this victory is not only mine, it is a win for my team, and I’m very happy.”
Eteri Liparteliani
Reflecting on her performance:
“This was my first competition since the World Championships and a bronze medal is not bad. My country is always proud of me. I love this technique [uchi-mata counter] and I wanted to score with it. Next competition is the Tokyo Grand Slam and I will be better there.”
The opening bronze medal contest delivered everything the Champions League promises: world-class judo, shifting momentum, and dramatic finishes. Golden Gori’s grit, skill, and composure earned them their place on the podium and set the tone for a thrilling day in Belgrade.
Author: Szandra Szogedi