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- This marks Željko Obradović's first game against Partizan since leaving Belgrade last year
- The Black-and-Whites sit at 3-1, while Panathinaikos are 4-0 and, alongside Valencia, remain the only undefeated team
- Notably, this is the Greens' first road game away from the OAKA Arena this season
Partizan vs Panathinaikos (Tip-off at 20:30 CET)
Match Preview
The wait is finally over. On Tuesday night at 20:30 CET, Partizan host Panathinaikos in Round 6 of the EuroLeague, as legendary head coach Željko Obradović makes his emotional return to Belgrade Arena in front of the Black-and-White faithful.
Everything inside the Balkans' largest arena will be centered around this highly anticipated reunion between the fans and their idol.
The Belgrade powerhouse enter the clash following an impressive EuroLeague start, tallying three wins and just a single defeat—a loss to Real Madrid last week. However, they face a formidable challenge in Athens' Greens, who arrive boasting a perfect 4-0 record.
Partizan Camp Reaction
Ahead of the continental showdown, Partizan held an open training session where head coach Joan Peñarroya and point guard Carlik Jones spoke to the media.
The playmaker naturally addressed going up against Željko Obradović:
I will give Željko a hug and tell him how much I love and respect him, but all of that comes after the final buzzer. I want to remain completely professional beforehand.Carlik Jones
Regarding the matchup itself, Carlik Jones emphasized:
As players, we have to approach this game like any other. Of course, we know our former coach is returning, and the atmosphere will be electric—perhaps the best we'll see all season. However, we must stay locked in on our game plan because losing focus could be very dangerous. They are a great team with depth at every position, and we are considered the underdogs. That's the mindset I'll embrace. It's going to be very exciting. We're all in good shape. Everyone speaks highly of Panathinaikos, but we have a team capable of beating anyone. The energy will be there, and my goal is to start aggressive and physical.Carlik Jones
Read Carlik Jones' full interview in our dedicated report.
Joan Peñarroya, who took over the Partizan bench last November following Obradović's departure, shared his thoughts ahead of the Arena spectacle:
First and foremost, this will be an extremely tough game for us because Panathinaikos have dominated their opening four rounds, essentially putting games away in the first quarter. I know this will be a special night given the occasion. I have no doubt that our fans will back us as they always do. This isn't a situation where they love one coach and hate another. I'm very pleased with our supporters and understand them completely. I know what to expect before the game—they will show great respect and love to Željko, but once the ball is tipped, I know they will be cheering passionately for Partizan.Joan Peñarroya
Read the full interview with the Partizan head coach in a separate article.
Partizan Injury Update
Joan Peñarroya confirmed the roster availability for the clash against Panathinaikos.
"Our only sidelined players at the moment are Derek Willis and Vanja Marinković. Everyone else will be ready to play."
How to Watch Live TV Broadcast
The EuroLeague encounter between Partizan and Panathinaikos will be broadcast live on Arena Premium 2.
You can also follow real-time text coverage and commentary via Sportal's live blog.
What Željko Obradović Said Ahead of Belgrade Return
Everything seems to be clicking seamlessly in Athens under Željko Obradović's guidance. Panathinaikos arrive in Belgrade in intimidating form, boasting a flawless record of four wins from their first four EuroLeague games.
The "Greens" have swept past every opponent, and this Belgrade trip will mark their first away test of the European campaign. For Obradović, the fixture carries immense emotional weight, combined with the clear tactical objective of protecting his side's undefeated record.
I expect a great basketball game. Partizan have started the season exceptionally well, and we have to prepare ourselves to deliver our best possible performance on the court. On a personal level, I know the atmosphere in the arena very well, and our players are fully aware of it too. The support Partizan receive from their fans is truly incredible, so it will be very important to see how we respond in our first road game of the season.Željko Obradović
Read Coach Obradović's full statement ahead of the EuroLeague Round 5 matchup in our dedicated story.
What's Next for Partizan After Panathinaikos
With EuroLeague's double-game week underway, Partizan will hit the road immediately following Tuesday's clash, traveling to face Fenerbahçe on Thursday, October 15.
Meanwhile, Panathinaikos will return to Athens to host Hapoel on Friday, October 16.
EuroLeague Standings
Video: Vildoza drains half-court buzzer-beater!
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