By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
After handing Fenerbahce Beko their first home-court defeat of the season, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet will be hosting their arch-rivals, Partizan Mozzart Bet in Round 19 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
Stark Arena is expected to be packed, but only with Crvena Zvezda fans, since Partizan will be serving a ban due to the incidents involving their fans in Valencia.
Coach of Crvena Zvezda Ioannis Sfairopoulos already experienced the atmosphere that derbies create at the very beginning of his mandate in Belgrade, with Zeljko Obradovic‘s side winning both in EuroLeague and ABA League as hosts. The help from the stands can often make a difference in these kinds of matches.
After 18 rounds in the top continental competition, Crvena Zvezda boasts a score of 7-11, while their rivals are in a better position with 10 victories. Another parameter that shows the significance of the upcoming Belgrade derby for Sfariopoulos’ team.
“Important game. We’re playing at home, in front of our fans. We expect a tough match. Whatever happened before and whatever form both teams are in, these games are special. We have players with experience in such matches, and we must be focused, mentally and physically ready to fight for 40 minutes,” the Greek tactician said upon arriving in Belgrade from his team’s road game in Istanbul.
Crvena Zvezda defeated Fenerbahce without one of their key players Luka Mitrovic, who got injured in the last EuroLeague game in 2023 against Panathinaikos. He’s still questionable for the Partizan match.
“Today he did some running and will do some individual work, and tomorrow he will have a shootaround with the team. Before the match, we will decide if he will play.”
Just before the game in Ukler Sports Arena, Eurohoops reported about Marko Simonovic leaving Crvena Zvezda to join Besiktas on loan, which was eventually confirmed by both clubs. Will that provide a need for new reinforcements? Serbian champions already added Freddie Gillespie and returned Nikola Topic from loan in Mega.
“After Partizan, we have an away game against Cedevita Olimpija in Ljubljana, then a new double week of the EuroLeague, so we are focused on that. After January 15th, we will see if we need someone and if we will sign someone,” Ioannis Sfairopoulos concluded.