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- Zvezda secured an impressive away victory over Dubai on Thursday
- Budućnost opened their campaign with a win over Krka
- The red-and-whites face a demanding EuroLeague double-round week against ASVEL and Paris
Zvezda vs. Budućnost (Tip-off at 21:00)
Match Preview
Crvena zvezda Meridianbet put in a flawless performance against Dubai in EuroLeague Round 4, taking all the points at the Coca-Cola Arena. Now, they aim to build on that momentum on the regional front.
Ibon Navarro's men are set to chase their first ABA League victory of the season this Saturday. Following an unexpected defeat against FMP in Železnik last weekend, Ognjen Dobrić and company are eager to bounce back, though they face a formidable opponent.
The Aleksandar Nikolić Hall hosts Budućnost from 21:00, with the Podgorica outfit entering the clash after beating Krka in their regional opener.
Davidovac: "Fans, come out and back us"
Looking ahead to the matchup against the Montenegrin side, head coach Ibon Navarro remarked:
"An experienced, high-caliber team awaits us, having strengthened considerably over the summer. They possess great chemistry because the core of the roster, including several foreign players, stayed together from last season. They will certainly be looking for a reaction after their EuroCup loss. It's up to us to deliver a top performance and keep making strides as a unit." – Ibon Navarro
Dejan Davidovac, a firm fan favorite among the red-and-white faithful, hopes the Aleksandar Nikolić Hall will be packed, giving the squad vital energy from the stands.
"We know Budućnost very well. They are a quality side with big ambitions both in the ABA League and the EuroCup. They've reinforced the roster with great players while retaining the likes of Ferrell, Boutsele, and Butey. I don't expect their EuroCup defeat to knock them off course; if anything, it will spark an extra response from them. We are taking it game by game and must be at our best to win. I invite our fans to pack the stands and give us their full support on Saturday night." – Dejan Davidovac
Žakelj: "Our focus has been entirely on ourselves, not Zvezda"
As is always the case when these two heavyweights clash, Budućnost will arrive extra motivated to claim a statement win over their fierce rival.
"Over the past two days, we have focused far more on ourselves than on our opponents. We need to show a clear reaction in terms of mindset, approach, and character. That is our primary focus; only then can we discuss tactics and opposition. That's what we have addressed the most. As for Zvezda, we know their quality well. They are improving with every game, and a tremendously tough contest awaits us." – Andrej Žakelj
How to watch Zvezda vs. Budućnost
The showdown between Crvena zvezda and Budućnost tips off at 21:00. For fans unable to make it to the Aleksandar Nikolić Hall, live television coverage is available.
The game will be broadcast live on Arena Premium 1.
You can also follow all the live updates and action from the venue right here on Sportal's live blog.
Tickets available online and at the official club store
A limited number of tickets for the Crvena zvezda Meridianbet vs. Budućnost clash have been released online.
Tickets will also go on sale at the official club shop this Saturday starting at 16:00 (15 Mitropolita Petra Street).
Zvezda Team News
Head coach Ibon Navarro will make the final call on his 12-man matchday roster shortly before tip-off.
What lies ahead after Budućnost?
Following the derby against Budućnost, Crvena zvezda Meridianbet head into a grueling EuroLeague double-round week.
The red-and-whites first travel to face ASVEL on Tuesday, October 13, before returning home to host Paris on October 16. That home fixture is scheduled for 20:00 at the Belgrade Arena.
ABA League Standings
Video: Highlights of Crvena Zvezda's stunning away win over Dubai!
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