The Euroleague, a crucible of skill and determination, demands unwavering focus from its teams, as no opponent is ever a given. Olympiakos faced a stark reality on Thursday, suffering a surprising home defeat to Red Star Belgrade, while Panathinaikos navigated a tougher battle against last-place Alba Berlin with more success.
In a clash at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, Red Star stunned Olympiakos, trouncing the Euroleague leaders 81-73. This result bore significant weight for the Serbian side, as the Greek team seemed lacklustre. Under coach Giorgos Bartzokas, Olympiakos fell behind early, letting the opponents stretch their lead to as much as 17 points before ultimately falling short in the second half, marking their third home loss of the season, with a record now of 22-8.
Conversely, Panathinaikos fought valiantly against Alba Berlin, edging closer to second place following Fenerbahce’s loss at Monaco with a 91-81 victory in Athens. Though the Greens initially surged to a commanding 13-point lead, they faltered, allowing Alba to momentarily seize control. However, under the guidance of Jerian Grant, Panathinaikos rallied to unleash a stunning 21-0 run, restoring their lead and securing victory. They now hold a record of 19-11, just one win behind Fenerbahce, with four games left in the regular season.
The Euroleague is a fiercely competitive tournament where every match matters. Olympiakos suffered an unexpected defeat to Red Star Belgrade, while Panathinaikos secured a crucial win against Alba Berlin. Both teams’ recent performances underscore the unpredictability and intensity of the league this season, with crucial matches ahead as the season nears its end.
The Euroleague, renowned for its intense competition, demands respect towards every opponent, as seen in recent matches. Olympiakos’ surprising defeat highlights vulnerabilities even for leading teams, while Panathinaikos demonstrated resilience and strategic prowess in overcoming challenges. Both teams now face crucial upcoming games that will determine their standings as the regular season draws to a close.
Original Source: www.ekathimerini.com
