Why you can’t miss the EuroLeague Serbian derby

Catch the Belgrade derby’s pregame and postgame show on the EuroLeague’s official YouTube channel from 19:00 CET

By Nikola Miloradovic/ info@eurohoops.net

Every derby is special, but some carry a specific weight that makes them truly unforgettable. The clash between Serbian basketball giants Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade and Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade is exactly that – a showdown steeped in history, passion, and fierce competition.

The magnitude of the Belgrade derby only seems to grow each year. Five battles between these powerhouses have already electrified the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, and not a single one has disappointed. But the sixth? It promises to be the best yet.

The first three Serbian EuroLeague encounters were absolute thrillers, each going down to the wire. The very first clash came down to a dramatic three-pointer by Nemanja Nedović in the dying seconds, sealing a Crvena Zvezda victory in front of 18,000 stunned Partizan fans. Some would say it doesn’t get better than that – but this Friday night (20:30 CET) might just prove them wrong.

Never before has a EuroLeague Belgrade derby taken place this deep into the regular season, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With just 11 games left before the Play-In Showdown, only a single win separates the two rivals in the standings. Both sides are eyeing the postseason, making this contest pivotal.

Partizan enters the derby riding high, with three straight wins in the EuroLeague and five victories in their last six games. Crvena Zvezda, meanwhile, stumbled last week against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, dropping two of their last three games in Europe. But here’s the thing: momentum often doesn’t matter in a rivalry this fierce.

The first derby of the season is proof of that. Partizan stunned Crvena Zvezda’s home crowd despite entering the game on a six-game losing streak. When these two collide, current form usually takes a backseat. It’s all about heart, grit, and who wants it more.

Obradović vs. Sfairopoulos: The chess match behind the derby

That’s why Željko Obradović and Ioannis Sfairopoulos won’t need to give fiery speeches to get their players ready – even those relatively new to this intense rivalry. As Luka Mitrović, who holds the second-highest number of appearances in a Crvena Zvezda jersey with over 500 games, recently said: “It’s absurd to even talk about motivation for such a game.”

Everyone is locked in, ready to bring their A-game. Ultimately, it will come down to the smallest details. Perhaps it’s tempo control, defensive matchups, or some kind of tactical masterstroke.

Obradović and Sfairopoulos, beloved by fans for good reason, have crossed paths 12 times in all competitions as rivals on Serbian soil. So far, the Greek tactician holds the upper hand, winning nine of those encounters (including the suspended Game 2 of the 2024 Serbian League Finals).

Sfairopoulos has often found game-changing X-factors in the past: Freddie Gillespie stepping up out of the blue, Miloš Teodosić orchestrating a Serbian Cup triumph last February, and Yago dos Santos dazzling in the ABA League Finals to claim MVP honors.

But then there’s Obradović – the most decorated European coach all-time and the mastermind behind the coaching clinic in this season’s first Belgrade derby. His side seized control in the second quarter and never looked back, forcing Crvena Zvezda into one of their most dismal performances of the season.

Heroes of the Belgrade derby: Who will rise to the occasion?

In the heat of fierce rivalry, when the stakes are at their highest, it’s the players who step up – not just for victory, but for immortality. The Belgrade derby isn’t just a game; it’s a stage where heroes are forged. A single clutch shot or game-changing defensive play can transform an ordinary player into a legend in the eyes of fans.

Looking back at the first derby of the season, it was Carlik Jones’s name up in lights. The US-born guard, who plays internationally for South Sudan, absolutely dominated in his first EuroLeague clash as a Partizan player against Crvena Zvezda, lighting up the scoreboard with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists – all without a single turnover. He was unstoppable, carving through defenders, and going a perfect 9 for 9 from the free-throw line. Carlik was the hero, no doubt. The question now: can he do it again?

Carlik’s impact is undeniable, but Partizan has other contenders for the spotlight. Sterling Brown has been in great form, averaging 20.2 points over his last five EuroLeague appearances. Tyrique Jones, known for his energy and powerful dunks, can light up any game, especially in front of the home crowd. Iffe Lundberg has a knack for stepping up in crucial moments, while veteran Brandon Davies knows how to keep his composure when the game is on the line.

On the flip side, Crvena Zvezda has its own arsenal of heroes waiting to emerge. Nedović, who proved he can deliver the killer blow against Partizan in the first EuroLeague Belgrade derby, is always a threat. Filip Petrušev, Crvena Zvezda’s top scorer with 13.9 points per game, plays his best under the brightest lights. Recently, he posted a career-high 29 points against AS Monaco, and he’ll be looking to keep that momentum.

Isaiah Canaan, though relatively new to this derby, knows all about fierce rivalries from his time at Olympiacos Piraeus. He’s more than ready to show his worth in a game like this. And don’t forget Nikola Kalinić and Miloš Teodosić, whose experience in derbies and big European games could be invaluable. Dos Santos, a proven performer in high-pressure moments, will also be a key player to watch.

But if there’s one player whose performance could tip the scales, it’s Joel Bolomboy, the EuroLeague’s top rebounder with 8.0 boards per game. In recent losses to Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul and Maccabi, his off nights meant trouble for Crvena Zvezda. Bolomboy’s battle under the boards will be crucial – he’s the anchor that holds the team together.

As the Belgrade derby approaches, the anticipation is palpable. This game is about much more than basketball – it’s about legacy, rivalry, and the unyielding desire to emerge victorious. With heroes on both sides ready to shine, it’s anyone’s game. This is a game you simply can’t miss. The stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in the storied rivalry between Partizan and Crvena Zvezda.