PARTIZAN VS ZVEZDA: First EuroLeague derby of the season set to ignite the Arena
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- Zvezda are riding a four-game EuroLeague winning streak
- Partizan, on the other hand, enter on a three-game skid
- The head-to-head record currently stands at 5-3 in favor of the black-and-whites
Pre-Game Preview
All eyes in European basketball turn to Belgrade tonight as the Belgrade Arena hosts the first eternal derby of the EuroLeague season.
In Round 7 of Europe's premier club basketball competition, Partizan host Crvena zvezda Meridianbet at 20:45 CET.
The black-and-whites enter the clash with a 3-3 record, while the red-and-whites have strung together four consecutive EuroLeague victories to move to 4-2.
Penarroya: Partizan are more than just Carlik Jones
As always, the black-and-whites opened their final practice session at the Arena to the media, where Partizan head coach Joan Penarroya shared his thoughts ahead of the matchup:
"Everyone knows by now that Carlik is crucial for us, but Partizan is not just Carlik Jones. We have to fight together. It's true he hasn't scored much in the last three games, but the entire team struggled with shooting percentages. We missed easy looks and good opportunities, and we must have the confidence to knock those shots down. Carlik is our playmaker, leader, and scorer, but we need to trust the whole team, not just individuals." - Joan Penarroya
Speaking about their opponents, who arrive at the Arena backed by four straight EuroLeague wins, Penarroya praised the work of his compatriot Ibon Navarro.
"We need to play a great game because Zvezda are on a four-game winning run. It won't be easy – they play solid, consistent defense, boast physically dominant and talented players, and have a great team and a top coach. But we are convinced we can beat them. Zvezda isn't just Butler, Chris Jones, or Moneke; they are a complete unit, and we have to contain them as a team." - Joan Penarroya
Partizan will be without Derek Willis and Tonye Jekiri, though positive news has emerged from the camp regarding team captain Vanja Marinkovic's recovery.
"Vanja completed 10 to 15 minutes of practice with the team and is progressing day by day. After nine months out with a severe injury, he needs time and patience to regain his competitive rhythm through contact work and 2-on-2 or 4-on-5 drills. The good news is that his Achilles tendon is in perfect condition; the medical tests in Finland were flawless, and I believe he will play his first minutes of the season in two to three weeks." - Joan Penarroya
You can read Joan Penarroya's full statement in a separate report.
From 1.60 to a Complete Shift in Odds
In the opening betting odds, a victory for Joan Penarroya's side was priced between 1.60 and 1.77, while a win for Ibon Navarro's squad sat between 2.05 and 2.15.
However, as the day progressed, heavy wagering and recent form prompted bookmakers to adjust the lines, turning Crvena zvezda into slight overnight favorites.
Current average odds for a Partizan victory range from 1.80 to 2.05, while Zvezda's odds sit between 1.80 and 1.90.
Navarro: I'm Not Stepping Outside Until Friday
Much like Partizan, Crvena zvezda Meridianbet opened part of their training session to the press, with head coach Ibon Navarro previewing his first eternal derby:
"A very demanding game awaits us against a team that plays, I'd say, even better than their results suggest. They play with immense energy, are well-organized, and possess a stout defense. Additionally, they lead the competition in steals and, despite injury woes, always find a way to compete and fight every single day. We're playing on their home court, fueled by the energy from their crowd, so it's bound to be a tough battle." - Ibon Navarro
When asked by reporters how he is handling the unique Belgrade derby fever, Navarro offered an amusing response.
"I went out into the street on Monday and immediately decided not to step outside again until Friday! That tells you everything. Before arriving here, I didn't know too much about the derby other than watching from afar. From the outside, you always realize it's a completely different match for the fans, the city, and the clubs. But in terms of tactical preparation, nothing has changed; it's exactly what I anticipated. The only difference is that now I'm experiencing it all from the inside." - Ibon Navarro
Read Ibon Navarro's full comments in a separate article.
How to Watch Partizan vs. Crvena Zvezda
Live TV coverage of the EuroLeague Round 7 clash between Partizan and Crvena zvezda Meridianbet is available on Arena Premium 1.
You can also follow the game via Sportal's live text coverage.
EuroLeague Standings
Video: Tanaskovic: The derby is a celebration, the Arena catches fire!
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