Total Domination: Željko Obradović Has Had a Better EuroLeague Start Only Once in His Career — and That Run Also Featured a Win Over Partizan in Belgrade
)
- You could follow the Partizan vs. Panathinaikos clash live on the Sportal website
The Greens from Athens stormed through Belgrade to secure another convincing victory, making a resounding statement about their immense potential to return to the pinnacle of European basketball following several barren seasons that ultimately led to the departure of former head coach Ergin Ataman.
After capturing the title in his debut season on the Greens' bench in 2024, Ataman failed to replicate that success the following year or last season — when fierce crosstown rivals Olympiacos Piraeus seized the throne while Panathinaikos missed out on the Final Four entirely.
The Greens mean business: A well-oiled machine even without Kendrick Nunn
Current head coach Željko Obradović, who claimed five titles in Europe's premier club competition during his storied first stint in charge of Panathinaikos from 1999 to 2012, returned with a point to prove over the summer. He immediately strung together five consecutive wins to open the season, capped off by a commanding triumph against his former club, Partizan.
Obradović has assembled a formidable squad firing on all cylinders at both ends of the floor — even in the absence of injured talisman Kendrick Nunn. The Athens powerhouse is dominating once again, anchored by the trademark, ironclad defense that has defined Željko's illustrious coaching career since 1992.
Obradović's trophy-laden cabinet features a record nine EuroLeague crowns across five different clubs, and early indications suggest this season could very well deliver his milestone 10th continental title.
Best start since the 2007/2008 season
This officially marks Željko Obradović's best EuroLeague start in 19 years. Following stints at Fenerbahçe and his second tenure with Partizan — where he never opened a European campaign with more than three straight wins — his return to the Greens' helm in the 2026/2027 campaign has delivered an instant historic spark.
The last time Obradović enjoyed such a dominant opening in the elite competition was back in the 2007/2008 season, when he guided Panathinaikos to seven consecutive wins across the first seven rounds.
That Panathinaikos team brushed aside all opposition early on, a run that also featured a victory over Partizan in Belgrade:
- Panathinaikos – Virtus Roma 86:83
- Panathinaikos – Bamberg 66:61
- Partizan – Panathinaikos 90:94
- Panathinaikos – Barcelona 76:66
- Roanne – Panathinaikos 83:123
- Fenerbahçe – Panathinaikos 64:83
- Panathinaikos – Real Madrid 92:85
The path to breaking the record
To match his personal record of seven straight wins to start a EuroLeague season, Obradović and Panathinaikos must protect home court in their next two fixtures:
- Round 6 (October 16): Panathinaikos host Hapoel Tel Aviv in Athens;
- Round 7 (October 22): Panathinaikos welcome Baskonia to Athens.
Should they clear both hurdles in front of their home crowd, a historic opportunity to set a new benchmark at 8-0 awaits on October 27, 2026, when Italian giants Olimpia Milano visit Athens.
Željko Obradović explains why he turned down Partizan's pre-game gift /VIDEO/
Partizan and Panathinaikos locked horns in Round 5 of the EuroLeague, with the Athens side cruising to a 72:55 victory. Željko Obradović, now at the helm of Panathinaikos following his tenure with the Black-and-Whites, addressed the media in a packed press room, with the conference streamed live on Sportal.
A high-stakes battle between a high-caliber Panathinaikos and Partizan unfolded with fierce defensive intensity, but Partizan's offensive struggles ultimately proved costly, paving the way for a lopsided defeat.
From that point on, Partizan looked completely disjointed. Lacking playmaking rhythm and overpowered on the boards, head coach Joan Peñarroya had to find quick answers to erase a 20-point deficit — a monumental task against a side of Panathinaikos' quality. While the Black-and-Whites never stopped fighting, they simply lacked the offensive firepower to keep up as their attack ground to a halt, highlighting their pressing need for go-to scorers.
The press room was packed to capacity as journalists lined up questions spanning numerous topics, extending the post-game conference well beyond its usual length.
It was an emotional evening, though not entirely without tension, strictly away from the fans. Clubs typically present commemorative gifts to returning figures who have left an indelible mark, and Partizan intended to honor Obradović in the same manner — but he politely declined.
"What else can I say other than to thank the fans once again for such a reception. The love is mutual, without a doubt. I don't need to repeat what I feel for this club or how much it means to me. I'm glad these people see things for what they are and remain unswayed by outside noise; they are smart and knowledgeable. Full credit to them for backing Partizan's players so passionately — that's how it should be, and they will surely keep cheering them on. As for the game, we were tight offensively, but defensively it was arguably our best performance of the season, likely driven by this atmosphere."
He added that he had already said everything that needed to be said regarding past events and his eventual departure from Humska Street.
"I have no reason to dwell on the past. My bond with this club is unbreakable and always will be. I felt phenomenal here for four and a half years and take great pride in everything we achieved. There is talk about Partizan securing a permanent EuroLeague license, and if that happens, I will be the happiest man in the world. I'm confident everyone at the club is working toward that goal, and it's great to see the EuroLeague recognize that Partizan deserves it."
Addressing his decision to turn down Partizan's pre-game commemorative gift, the coach explained:
"I was informed that something of that nature was planned, and I simply told them there was no need. Partizan gave me everything, just as I gave everything to Partizan. I will always feel like part of this club, and no one can take that away from me."
He admitted he was deeply moved by the thunderous reception from the home crowd upon stepping onto the court.
"The media sometimes take quotes out of context, suggesting this game didn't mean much to me — let that be on them. All I said was that I put my emotions aside because I am not the most important factor here, nor are my personal feelings. If anyone thinks this game wasn't special to me... Of course it was. Walking out into that arena was an incredible feeling because these are my people, with whom I shared my life. Even after the final buzzer, Partizan fans stayed behind to sing. As long as that remains, Partizan will never lack support."
CABARET #1 Željko Obradović returns, and it's set to be electric!
&format=webp)
&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)