By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
On Friday night at “Kombank Arena” Crvena Zvezda will host Olympiacos for the first time in the their history! It’s going to be a special game, full of symbolism for both teams. The two clubs are fraternised, their fans have the best of relations and they support eachother in very possible occasion.
They have the same red and white colours, many common sentiments and a long tradition. This will be the first time they will meet in a basketball court. The win will be important to both of them and a sold out gym with 20.000 fans will be singing for both teams, no matter what the final result will be.
That’s also the prediction of the most suitable man to comment this historic occasion, Marko Keselj! The 26 years old Serb who is now a member of Mega Vizura, was crowned Euroleague and Greek champion in 2012 as a member of Olympiacos, he has played for both teams, he never hided that he is a fan of Zvezda and he expects a unique encounter.
“I expect nothing less than a big spectacle at Belgrade and I am really sad that I will miss this game, because we are playing on the road with Mega Vizura and I won’t be in the city. I would love to be a part of the “brotherly” atmosphere of this night. My heart belongs to both teams. Of course a little bit more goes to Crvena Zvezda! Olympiacos will also feel right at home, playing in a full gym which will also support them! When the Greeks will step on the court, they will understand it. I am sure that the fans will be more than friendly to them, they have common chants with the fans of Olympiacos in rythm and even some words which apply to both team. Nothing negative towards Olymiacos and its players will be heard”.
Of course in the end, only one team will get the win. As Keselj said: “I give a small advantage to Crvena Zvezda, because they are in pretty good shape and they will have the extra push of 20.000 fans, which will feed the team with energy. They also have a great motive. Many young players will compete against the former back to back champions and stars like Spanoulis. On the the hand Olympiacos has many injuries and this can be the key. No matter what, I wish the best of luck to both teams. No matter the result, it will be something unique and every one should enjoy it”.