Željko Obradović speaks after victory over Partizan: Watch live on Sportal /VIDEO/

A fiercely contested battle between heavily-favoured Panathinaikos and Partizan unfolded early on, with tough defense and offensive struggles setting the tone across the opening 20 minutes. The hosts held the upper hand through most of the first quarter, stretching their lead to five points. However, a series of misses combined with Panathinaikos' battle on the boards allowed the visitors to overturn the deficit and take control in the second frame. With the Black-and-Whites struggling from distance, Obradović's side extended their lead to seven by halftime (35-28).

From that point forward, Partizan looked completely disjointed. Lacking offensive creativity and outmatched on the boards, Peñarroya had to find a quick way back from a 20-point deficit—a nearly impossible task against an opponent of this calibre. The Black-and-Whites didn't wave the white flag, but they simply lacked the weapons and answers to stay competitive as their game stalled. That stretch laid bare all the offensive shortcomings of the squad and its shortage of consistent scorers.

Even so, the hosts never surrendered without a fight. They battled fiercely for every possession, contested every loose ball, and worked relentlessly on defense... but their cold shooting night ultimately sealed their fate.

CABARET #1 Željko Obradović returns, expect pure madness!