Panathinaikos defeats Partizan in Belgrade as Obradović returns

Panathinaikos secured a significant 72-55 away victory against Partizan in the fifth round of the EuroLeague, maintaining a perfect 5-0 record for the season. The match, held at the Belgrade Arena, was marked by a massive reception for Panathinaikos head coach Željko Obradović, who returned to Belgrade for the first time since leaving Partizan.

Obradović received a standing ovation from the crowd of over 20,000 fans. Despite the emotional atmosphere, he emphasized his focus on the game and his players. He described his connection to Partizan as “unbreakable” and expressed his wish for the club to become a permanent member of the EuroLeague. He also noted that he declined a gift prepared by the club, stating that Partizan had already given him everything.

Panathinaikos relied heavily on their defensive performance to secure the win, a strategy highlighted by players and coaching staff. While the team struggled offensively compared to their usual standards, the victory marks their first away win of the season. Partizan, currently sitting with three wins and two losses, looks to improve their performance in upcoming fixtures.