Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 8 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season.

Pregame quotes hub: Round 8

## Friday, October 31

### AS Monaco vs. Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (19:00 CET)

**Mike James, Monaco guard**

"It was a very good game against Olympiacos. We played very well together, which is how we need to play to win again on Friday. I hope we can put in the same kind of performance."

**Alpha Diallo, Monaco forward**

"As soon as the game against Olympiacos ended, we started thinking about this game against Pana, and we're determined to be just as ready. The win against Olympiacos was very exciting, but we have another big game to win in front of our fans."

**Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos head coach**

"Monaco is a very good team. Actually, they are very similar to last year's roster that they played the final of the EuroLeague with. I watched the game against Olympiacos, the had a great game, especially Mike James. He played great, together with Alpha Diallo. It will be a tough game. There is a balance between the two rosters. It's the same strategy, too. We need to play smart without turnovers, and the defense will be important because they have extremely good offensive players."

**Konstantinos Mitoglou, Panathinaikos forward**

"We saw that AS Monaco got a huge road win yesterday. You can never relax in any EuroLeague game. Our goal is clear — we’re going there with one thing in mind: to win. It’s going to be a very tough game, they’re a very good team with great depth and quality players. The conditions in Monaco are always different, every season is different. I think AS Monaco has more experience this year, and there are higher expectations. Of course, they remember that we’ve won there twice in recent years, but that doesn’t mean anything. It’s a completely new and different season, so I expect a totally different game."

### Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv (20:15 CET)

**Georgos Bartzokas, Olympiacos head coach**

"Defensively, we are well below the level we want to be at, and the level we were at in previous years. That requires good teamwork, but also self-sacrifice, determination, and doing all the little things that matter. Right now, we’re not doing those things consistently – only in certain stretches of the game. And of course, if the game turns against us, like it did yesterday, due to the opponent’s quality and many other factors, we lose.

“Now we’re facing the best offense in the league. They average 93 points per game and rank first in many statistical categories. They have isolation plays and get scoring from their pick-and-roll handlers. Obviously, we need to make a defensive step up, both individually and as a team. \[Against Monaco\], we shot 18% from three-point range, executing in a disorganized way and playing too freely, yet we still scored 88 points. In games like that, in order to score, you have to start from the defensive end. That’s where you gain confidence, speed, and rhythm. Since talent is abundant in EuroLeague teams, if the opponent feels comfortable, you pay for it. That’s what happened \[against Monaco\]. It’s our job to fix it and to convince the players that this is something we must do consistently."

**Tyson Ward, Olympiacos forward**

"It’s not a matter of tactics, but of physicality, and how long we can sustain it at a high level. We have to start well and keep that pressure throughout the game. We need to start strong; toughness is the most important thing."

**Dimitris Itoudis, Hapoel head coach**

"We’re playing against a Final Four team – a team with tremendous experience that has consistently proven its ability to play great basketball and achieve results over the years. It’s another challenge for us in this double week, facing a team that has maintained a very well-structured game under Bartzokas throughout all these years. As I said, for us, it’s another challenge we gladly accept – to go and play in Piraeus, in a hot atmosphere. We like those kinds of challenges."

**Antonio Blakeney, Hapoel guard**

"Olympiacos is a great team, so this will be a big challenge for us. We must come to compete and hustle on both sides of the court."

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade vs. FC Barcelona (20:30 CET)

**Zeljko Obradovic, Partizan head coach**

"We had a morning practice in Sofia to give the players a chance to rest once we get back to Belgrade. We had a lot of good moments yesterday, but in the end, we lost, so we tried to respond the right way. Now we’re playing against Barcelona, a team that’s had an extra day to rest, which definitely makes a difference. Still, I don’t think we should focus on that, we need to concentrate on what defines us when we play well: our fight, our energy, and the support from our fans. I want to call on our fans to stay united and come to the game to help the team. Let’s bring back that well-known atmosphere that has been our trademark for so many years."

**Bruno Fernando, Partizan center**

"I feel good, I’m excited. I’m really looking forward to being in the arena and feeling the atmosphere. It’s going to be a tough game, obviously, we’re facing a strong opponent, but I’m excited for us to go out there, execute on both ends of the court, and get the win."

**Joan Penarroya, Barcelona head coach**

"Players like to play in this kind of environment. When you play on a court with this great atmosphere that the Serbian teams create, and Partizan in particular, the player is already connected from the beginning. We know that playing on this court is very difficult, against an opponent that comes off two losses in which he has not competed as he was competing until now, without a player that is also very important for them like Carlik Jones. We will see if \[Nick\]Calathes is available or not, Bruno Fernando already played yesterday \[Wednesday\]. It is a team with a lot of individual talent, with Sterling Brown and Washington, who are hitting many three-point shots, with Bonga, who is a bit of a do-it-all player. And little to say about Jabari \[Parker\] and the quality he has. Well, it is a very dangerous team, and I am sure that tomorrow they will want to take a step forward, and we know that we have to play a very serious game in Belgrade if we want to make the most out it. In this EuroLeague, if you look at the rosters, there are a lot of squads that can fight to be in the Final Four, and Partizan is one of them. Partizan has a very important roster, a very high level roster, but like many of the rosters in this Euroleague. The competition has taken a very important step forwards, and we are talking about the fact that most of the teams can win any game, and you can see it in the competition. Partizan has a talented team but had some losses and signed Fernando and Calathes, who are not just any players. We know that in this EuroLeague, it is very difficult to win any game, but we can win any game. So the idea is to play a solid game and to compete in the best possible way."

**Kevin Punter, Barcelona guard**

"Everybody knows I was there previously, before here. So, for me, it's like home. I won a title there, so I have a special connection with the people. It's going to be exciting. We have to stay focused, that's the biggest thing. If you haven't experienced it, you just got to experience it. There's nothing that I can say or prepare you for, so just be focused and be locked in just be ready to compete. Obradovic's team is always going to be ready to compete and fight and play hard and have fun. I can't wait. It's going to be fun. I love Jabari \[Parker\], that's my brother. Obviously, he was here with us. I have been speaking to Jabari throughout the season a little bit, just checking on him, making sure he's alright."

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul (20:30 CET)

**Igor Kokoskov, Efes head coach**

"Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz is a young and a talented team. They were also unfortunate to have some injuries early in the season. But they are playing good basketball and had a good home win against Dubai Basketball. We will take this game very serious. A tough schedule is in front of us, so we need to be absolutely focused on this game..."

**Nick Weiler-Babb, Efes guard**

"The second game of a double week is always tough. Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz played well last game and we have to be focused from the jump ball until the end. It will be a hard-fought game and we want to finish this road trip the right way with a win."

## Thursday, October 30

### Zalgiris Kaunas vs. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (19:00 CET)

\--

### Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv vs. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (20:05 CET)

**Oded Kattash, Maccabi head coach**

"Crvena Zvezda is a team in excellent momentum, with their consecutive wins. They’re playing with a lot of confidence right now, especially with a stretch of home games that helped them build that momentum. They’re a very aggressive team, one that attacks the offensive rebounds. We’ll need to come out aggressive and control the boards — that’s something very important for us."

**Sasa Obradovic, Crvena Zvezda head coach**

"This team knows how to play collectively, the players have been there for several years and they understand each other very well, so they have continuity of unity, which is a threat. They will be even better over time, we are in a specific situation, we know what an away win means, it would be a big win. We are in a situation where we need the integration of injured players and new players, but all of that can also disrupt us."

**Stefan Miljenovic, Crvena Zvezda guard**

"A dangerous and difficult team. It's a strange feeling that we are playing in Pionir as guests. We will also have the support of our fans. We have to stop their individuals, the biggest threat is certainly Lonnie Walker."

### FC Bayern Munich vs. Virtus Bologna (20:30 CET)

**Gordon Herbert, Bayern head coach**

"It's the same scenario as last season; back then, they also came to us after a loss in Kaunas. We have to keep that in mind. Bologna has enough quality to bounce back—they’ve already claimed big wins over Panathinaikos, Monaco, and even Real. Our really strong performance against Real won’t mean much if we can’t repeat it against Bologna. Carsen Edwards had a great year for this club. It’s good to see him back at SAP Garden on Thursday. The plan is for Spencer \[Dinwiddie\] to play on Thursday. But we’ll only make the final decision shortly before the game, once we know how things stand with him and the team."

**Dusko Ivanovic, Virtus head coach**

"In the game against Zalgiris, the way we started and the way we finished the game is absolutely not what we want. We need to improve on many things, but especially on this aspect, and tomorrow we will have another opportunity to do so. We will play against a team that beat Real Madrid here at home in the last EuroLeague round: they are an excellent team, they play well, and we will have to do our best to redeem ourselves."

**Alessandro Pajola, Virtus guard**

"We're approaching this game with the desire to redeem ourselves after the Kaunas match: we'll need to approach the game much better, trying to limit turnovers and playing as a team in offense. Bayern are coming off a home win against Real Madrid, so we'll also need to be good at managing an electric atmosphere after their last game."

### Valencia Basket vs. Dubai Basketball (20:30 CET)

**Darius Thompson, Valencia guard**

"This is a difficult season for all teams. No one is really safe against anyone. You go out there every night and try to do your best and see how far you can go each day. Because anyone can beat anyone or be beaten by anyone. So you don't really look at each opponent thinking they're better or worse than another team. You just go out there and give it your best shot. We got the win last night and we'll try to do the same on Thursday."

**Nate Reuvers, Valencia forward**

"In this competition, every game is really tough; there are no easy games. It's great to have the fans here at home; they give us energy. We're up against a very talented team. We have to do what we can to play our style, play our way. If we can do that, we'll have a chance to win. They have good inside players, so we have to give it our best again tomorrow and try to get the win. I feel really good so far. It's the same system as last season. So I feel like I'm continuing to develop and improve every year. And I'm also feeling more comfortable with the team. I think we have a great team this year. And confidence is key."

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Paris Basketball (20:30 CET)

**Ettore Messina, Milan head coach**

"Paris Basketball is a team with great athleticism and speed, playing at the highest tempo in the EuroLeague, a team that tries to elevate the number of possessions. Taking care of the defensive transition and, above all, of the great energy that they have attacking the offensive board, with all five players, will be crucial to win this game, along with continuing to move the ball quickly on offense, balancing shots from inside and outside the right way."

### Real Madrid vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (21:00 CET)

**Sergio Scariolo, Real Madrid head coach**

"We're facing a very demanding doubleheader. The first thing we've worked on is recovering from yesterday's game, especially mentally. Now we're facing the Euroleague champions, a team of the highest quality, physically imposing, with great physical strength and a lot of scoring talent. We have to be able to turn the page, take the court with determination, and, above all, maintain that determination throughout the game with the help of our fans, who have always supported us in our home games and have always left happy with their team's victory."

**Walter Tavares, Real Madrid center**

"Fenerbahçe is a very difficult opponent as they are the reigning EuroLeague champions. They are a well-established, experienced team that knows how to win. Real Madrid vs. Fenerbahçe is a classic, a very exciting game, but also a very difficult one, and we are going to try to do what we are doing well, which is to protect our home court with our fans. We have to be ready at all times because it will be a 40-minute game. If we play one or two bad quarters, it will be very difficult to win because Fenerbahçe is a team that knows how to manage the pace, and it will be very tough for us. We have to be in the game for the full 40 minutes."

**Sarunas Jasikevicius, Fenerbahce head coach**

"Well, first of all, in Madrid, we want to see the reaction from us. We want to see a better defensive performance. Madrid will come after the loss very motivated, and we need to match that intensity and really focus on many post-up situations for their frontcourt players and the creation of Campazzo."

**Nicolo Melli, Fenerbahce forward**

"It's going to be, for sure, a very tough game. We're both coming from a loss. Playing against Real Madrid is always a special game. It's, I would say, already a must-win game. I think it's going to be tough. We need to recover energy after this tough game and try our best to win the game."

Check out what the coaches and players are saying ahead of Round 8 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season

Pregame quotes, Round 8: 'I love Jabari Parker, that's my brother'

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade v FC Barcelona (2025-10-31T19:30:00.000Z)

Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-10-31T19:30:00.000Z)

Olympiacos Piraeus v Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv (2025-10-31T19:15:00.000Z)

AS Monaco v Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens (2025-10-31T18:00:00.000Z)

Real Madrid v Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (2025-10-30T20:00:00.000Z)

Valencia Basket v Dubai Basketball (2025-10-30T19:30:00.000Z)

FC Bayern Munich v Virtus Bologna (2025-10-30T19:30:00.000Z)

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan v Paris Basketball (2025-10-30T19:30:00.000Z)

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv v Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade (2025-10-30T19:05:00.000Z)

Zalgiris Kaunas v LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (2025-10-30T18:00:00.000Z)

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs ahead of Round 7 of the 2025-26 season.

Injury report: Round 7

Follow all the latest injury information for registered players in the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season, as reported by the clubs, and get your [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/home?_ga=2.101462721.1199459303.1696273873-903329349.1669636775) teams up to date!

### Anadolu Efes Istanbul

Rodrigue Beaubois, Georgios Papagiannis and Vincent Poirier are ruled out for Efes's game at Baskonia on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- [Georgios Papagiannis is expected to miss eight months](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/efes-ercan-osmani-out-three-weeks-georgios-papagiannis-to-miss-eight-months/) following ACL surgery, the club confirmed on October 18.
- Vincent Poirier is out for [4-6 months after knee surgery](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/efes-timetable-for-poiriers-return-set-at-4-6-months/).

### AS Monaco

Monaco has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Panathinaikos on Friday.

- Yoan Makoundou missed Monaco's first seven games, but he has returned to training.

### Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz

Baskonia has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Efes on Friday.

- [Trent Forrest (hamstring) and Markus Howard (finger) are sidelined for 'several weeks'](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/baskonia-trent-forrest-markus-howard-sidelined-for-several-weeks/), the club announced on October 17.

### Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade

Jordan Nwora is doubtful while Devonte' Graham, Tyson Carter, Jasiel Rivero, Isaiah Canaan and Joel Bolomboy are all ruled out for Crvena Zvezda's game at Maccabi on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- [New signing Jared Butler](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/jared-butler-is-belgrade-bound-after-signing-with-crvena-zvezda/) has been registered and is in line to make his debut in Round 8.
- Jordan Nwora did not play in Round 7, but the club is [doing everything possible to get him ready for Round 8](https://x.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1983176287544848784).
- Devonte' Graham has been unavailable so far this season due to a bone bruise, but [he has received clearance to rejoin first-team training](https://x.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1983176287544848784). He will be available to Coach Obradovic as soon as he recovers from a cold and high fever.
- Tyson Carter has been [diagnosed with pulmonary embolism](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/zvezdas-tyson-carter-facing-extended-absence-with-pulmonary-embolism/) and faces a lengthy absence.
- Jasiel Rivero hurt his foot in Round 1 and is expected to be sidelined for several months.
- Isaiah Canaan [suffered an ACL injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/crvena-zvezda-loses-isaiah-canaan-to-acl-injury/) and is out long term.
- Joel Bolomboy is out long term.

### Dubai Basketball

Dubai has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Valencia on Thursday.

- New signing [Boogie Ellis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/dubai-basketball-seals-move-for-boogie-ellis/) was on the game-day roster in Rounds 6 and 7, but did not make his debut.
- Nemanja Dangubic has not featured since Round 4.
- Kenan Kamenjas has not featured since Round 5.
- Dzanan Musa and Aleksa Avramovic have sustained minor knee injuries and will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks, the club announced two weekends' ago.
- Nate Mason has sustained a cervical disc injury and will continue to be monitored over the coming weeks, the club announced.
- Summer signing Mam Jaiteh suffered an Achilles injury and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

### EA7 Emporio Armani Milan

Zach LeDay, Lorenzo Brown, Josh Nebo and Ousmane Diop are all ruled out for Milan's game against Paris on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Ousmane Diop last played in Round 5.

- Lorenzo Brown last played in Round 4 due to a calf injury.

- Zach LeDay last played in Round 3.

- [Josh Nebo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/milan-josh-nebo-out-for-three-weeks/) last played in Round 2 due to a thigh injury.

### FC Barcelona

Nico Laprovittola and Juan Nunez are ruled out for Barcelona's game at Partizan on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- [Nico Laprovittola last played in Round 2](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelonas-nico-laprovittola-sidelined-with-a-thigh-injury/) due to a left thigh adductor injury he suffered against Panathinaikos.
- [Juan Nunez is out ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/barcelona-guard-juan-nunez-to-miss-6-months/)due to a knee injury. He expected to be sidelined until April.

### FC Bayern Munich

Bayern has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Virtus on Thursday.

- [New signing Spencer Dinwiddie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayern-brings-nba-veteran-spencer-dinwiddie-aboard/) has been registered and is in line to make his debut in Round 8.
- Niels Giffey, who played the first six games of the season, missed Round 7.
- Johannes Voigtmann made his first appearance of the season in Round 7, having recovered from a knee injury that required surgery.
- [Rokas Jokubaitis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/bayerns-rokas-jokubaitis-suffers-knee-injury/) will be sidelined until the spring following knee surgery.
- Elias Harris has yet to return to action following a knee injury suffered in June.
- Aleksa Radanov (coach's decision) did not suit up for the first seven rounds.

### Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul

Brandon Boston and Arturs Zagars are ruled out for Fenerbahce's game at Real Madrid on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Brandon Boston (sprained ankle) last played in Round 2, when he got injured against Zalgiris. He is currently in his recovery process.
- [Arturs Zagars is dealing with a hamstring issue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-arturs-zagars-dealing-with-hamstring-issue/), the club confirmed on October 18.

### Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv

Hapoel has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Olympiacos on Friday.

- [Yam Madar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hapoels-yam-madar-goes-under-the-knife/) has not played this season after undergoing an appendectomy, and now will undergo a knee procedure and will miss a month of action, according to coach Dimitris Itoudis.

- [Bruno Caboclo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/hapoel-bruno-caboclo-undergoes-back-surgery/) is recovering from back surgery. There is no timetable for his recovery.

### LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne

ASVEL has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Zalgiris on Thursday.

- [Edwin Jackson](https://www.leprogres.fr/sport/2025/10/20/asvel-plus-de-peur-que-de-mal-pour-edwin-jackson) last played in Round 5.
- Thomas Heurtel missed the first seven rounds.
- Shaquille Harrison last played in Round 2.

### Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv

Maccabi has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Crvena Zvezda on Thursday.

- Maccabi had no injuries to report in Round 7.
- Uros Trifunovic has not played since Round 1.
- Gur Lavi made his season debut in Round 4 but did not feature in Rounds 5 or 6.

### Olympiacos Piraeus

Keenan Evans and Moustapha Fall are ruled out for Olympiacos's game against Hapoel on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- Keenan Evans has not played so far this season due to a knee injury, but he has started training on an individual basis.
- [Moustapha Fall](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-center-moustapha-fall-suffers-knee-injury/) could miss the entire season after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee during the Greek League finals in June.

### Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens

Nikos Rogkavopoulos and Panagiotis Kalaitzakis are questionable while Richaun Holmes, Mathias Lessort and Alexandros Samodurov are ruled out for Panathinaikos's game at Monaco on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- [Richaun Holmes suffered a torn medial collateral ligament](https://x.com/Paobcgr/status/1983302468785319949) in his right knee in Round 7. Coach Ataman said that he would be out for over a month.
- Nikos Rogkavopoulos was unavailable in Round 7.
- Mathias Lessort is expected to be out until at least November, according to statements made by coach Ergin Ataman.
- Alexandros Samodurov suffered a fracture in the middle finger of his right hand, the club confirmed.

### Paris Basketball

Paris has not yet sent an injury report for its game at Milan on Thursday.

- Jeremy Morgan missed Round 7.
- [Lamar Stevens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/paris-duo-lamar-stevens-sebastian-herrera-out-for-weeks/) has not featured for Paris so far this season.

### Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade

Nick Calathes has been added to Partizan's roster, while the injury list remains the same with Carlik Jones, Shake Milton and Mario Nakic all out for the game against Barcelona on Friday, the club has confirmed.

- Nick Calathes has been registered and has practiced with the team.
- [Carlik Jones is believed to have broken a bone in his foot](https://www.mozzartsport.com/kosarka/vesti/kraj-godine-za-karlika-dzonsa/526090) and, according to reports, could be out for the next three months. He last played in Round 5.
- [Shake Milton](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/shake-milton-to-miss-partizans-double-round-trip-to-spain/) (ankle) last played in Round 3.
- Mario Nakic is expected to be sidelined for a while due to a knee problem.

### Real Madrid

Real Madrid has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Fenerbahce on Thursday.

- Andres Feliz last played in Round 5.
- Gabriele Procida has not played in the first seven rounds this season, but he has made three appearances in the Spanish League, including this past weekend.

### Valencia Basket

Valencia has not yet sent an injury report for its game against Dubai on Thursday.

- [New signing Braxton Key](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/valencia-strengthens-frontcourt-with-braxton-key/) has not yet been registered.
- [Sergio De Larrea missed Round 7](https://x.com/valenciabasket/status/1983193214376132876) due to minor discomfort.
- Yankuba Sima has not played so far this season.

### Virtus Bologna

Abramo Canka remains Virtus's only absentee for its game at Bayern on Thursday, the club has confirmed.

- Abramo Canka has not played so far this season.

### Zalgiris Kaunas

Zalgiris has not yet sent an injury report for its game against ASVEL on Thursday.

- [Nigel Williams-Goss suffered a hamstring injury](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/nigel-williams-goss-sidelined-with-hamstring-injury/) in Round 6. He is out for the foreseeable future.
- Dovydas Giedraitis is increasing his workload [after wrist surgery](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/dovydas-giedraitis-to-miss-start-of-2025-26-season/), but he is still some weeks away from playing.

Stay up to date with the latest information provided by the EuroLeague clubs

Injury report, Round 8: Calathes registered, Rogkavopoulos questionable, Beaubois out

Having established a comfortable lead, Real Madrid didn’t take its foot off the gas against Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, grabbing a morale-boosting 84-58 win. 

Real Madrid reasserts defensive discipline to crush Fenerbahce

Contested shots, blocks, deflections, hustle plays on both ends and relentless effort from start to finish – [Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) was desperate to get back to winning ways and it did so through its defense. Having struggled to rediscover their form away from home, *Los Blancos* came into Thursday's clash against [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) on the back of three straight road losses.

In its bid to turn the page, Real Madrid needed a solid start to the game, defensive solidity and consistency throughout. And Sergio Scariolo’s players ticked all the boxes.

The game started with a rain of triples, as [Facundo Campazzo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/facundo-campazzo/005928/) drilled two before [Trey Lyles](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/trey-lyles/014117/) and [Alberto Abalde](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/alberto-abalde/003733/) nailed one each to open a 17-2 lead just 3 and a half minutes into the game. Having taken a 25-16 advantage after 10 minutes, the hosts held the reigning EuroLeague champion to just 6 points in the second quarter.

Real Madrid-Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul | Round 8 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

[Theo Maledon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/theo-maledon/007027/) came off the bench to score 9 straight points, as Real Madrid went on a 20-2 spurt to end the second period, securing a 49-22 cushion at halftime by forcing the visitors to go 9-for-41 from the field.

“I think we started really strong, especially on the defensive end,” Maledon told EuroLeague TV. “Everybody really set the tempo there and it was good for us. I think it's got to be our DNA moving forward, relying on defense to get going.”

The Spanish side was aware that the opening stages of the second half might be as important as the start to the game. Real Madrid didn’t rest on its laurels and made sure that there was no way back into the duel for Fenerbahce. In fact, *Los Blancos* held their rivals to just 35 points, holding the visitors to their second-lowest scoring tally ever after three quarters.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">✌ Doble MVP vs <a href="https://twitter.com/FBBasketbol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBBasketbol</a> <br>👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/waltertavares22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@waltertavares22</a> <br>👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/Theo_Maledon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Theo_Maledon</a> <a href="https://t.co/kJUPjLHBMK">pic.twitter.com/kJUPjLHBMK</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1984026017804255436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“We were consistent throughout the 40 minutes tonight, \[but\] especially I liked how we played the third quarter,” Coach Scariolo said in his post-game EuroLeague TV interview. “We had a fantastic first half, but we didn’t let them come back into the game. Against a super high-level team like Fenerbahce, if you show them some blood, they will take it.”

Having established a comfortable lead, Real Madrid didn’t take its foot off the gas, grabbing a morale-boosting 84-58 win. It did so by remaining consistent on both ends of the floor throughout the game – something of high importance according to [Edy Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/).

“When we start the game like this, we've got to keep up with the same energy from the first to the last second,” the Real Madrid center told EuroLeague TV. “I think that in those couple of losses we had away, we had one or two bad quarters that cost us the game.”

After squandering a 16-point lead at Bayern Munich on Tuesday, Real Madrid ended the double-round week on a high note. More importantly, the Spanish team went back to factory settings by reacquainting themselves with the defensive resilience they aim to establish as a guiding principle under Coach Scariolo.

The team's defensive approach in Thursday’s win lays the foundation of what Real Madrid hopes to showcase this season. And with *El Clásico* coming up next week, they couldn't ask for better timing.

Game News

'Los Blancos' looked solid on defense from the off in blowout win over the reigning champions

Playing uptempo, making the most of fast-break situations, and swarming the opposition on defense, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan looked like it was Paris Basketball in disguise in the first half on Thursday night.

Milan gives Paris a taste of its own medicine, holds off late Hifi push

Playing uptempo, making the most of fast-break situations, and swarming the opposition on defense, [EA7 Emporio Armani Milan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ea7-emporio-armani-milan/mil/) looked like it was [Paris Basketball](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/paris-basketball/prs/) in disguise in the first half on Thursday night.

Leading by 20 points at the break and having held Paris to just 27 points, the fewest it had ever scored in the first half of a EuroLeague game, Milan was flying. Even more so given that its 57 first-half points were the third most it had ever scored after 20 minutes, too.

“Holding a team like Paris to 27 points, it’s impressive for us,” Milan guard [Nico Mannion](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/niccolo-mannion/011064/) told EuroLeague TV at halftime. “It’s a 20-point game now, but we have to do the same thing in the second half because with how fast they play, how many possessions and how many threes they shoot, they could make a run. We’ve just got to stay disciplined, keep talking and playing hard.”

Of the 27 points that Paris had mustered to that point, just 2 belonged to star player [Nadir Hifi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nadir-hifi/012640/). After a frustrating night in Round 7, which saw the 23-year-old make 2-of-16 field goals in [a loss to Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/shane-larkin-leads-from-the-front-to-inspire-efes-past-paris/), his luck didn’t show any sign of changing through the first 20 minutes at the Forum as he went 1 for 10 from the field. A reaction was expected after the interval – and so it proved.

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan-Paris Basketball | Round 8 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Hifi, who seemed insistent on trying to find his rhythm by attempting three-pointers in the latter stages of the first half, started going to the rim and was finding some joy. But with such a big deficit to overturn, it was in the final stages of the third quarter where the Frenchman really started to show off his repertoire.

Having ended the period with a layup and then a perfectly swished three-pointer, Hifi had rediscovered his touch and had cut the difference to just 14 points (67-53) entering the final frame. He was determined to lead Paris’s improbable comeback and cut the gap to single digits early in the fourth with another smooth-as-silk three followed by a three-point play (67-59), but [Shavon Shields](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shavon-shields/007831/), [Devin Booker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/devin-booker/007056/) and [Marko Guduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/marko-guduric/004004/) joined forces to calm things down again (78-61).

“I think the team played an excellent first half,” coach Ettore Messina said in the post-game press conference. “In the second half, we had a moment where we were tired between the end of the third and the beginning of the fourth, and that was the only moment I think where were not disciplined in doing what we needed to do to beat them.

“The defense was very good for 40 minutes. In the crucial moment, when they came closer, we had the discipline to put the ball in the hands of the players who needed to have the ball, and they delivered with some big plays.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It is a win 86-77 ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/9lxqRjL01t">pic.twitter.com/9lxqRjL01t</a></p>&mdash; Olimpia Milano (@OlimpiaMI1936) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlimpiaMI1936/status/1984009024975827050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Paris and Hifi refused to go away in the remaining 5 minutes, yet Milan leaned on its experience to maintain a double-digit gap right until the final seconds, when [Justin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/justin-robinson/014008/) split free throws to fix the final score at 86-77.

For Milan, this performance – particularly in the first half, when it gave Paris a taste of its own medicine – was the perfect remedy after dropping its last two and going 1-5 over its last six coming into Round 8. The key will be to build on this victory when it travels to face Efes next Friday.

“We’ve played a one-possession game almost every single game \[this season\], so I’m happy one went our way this time,” Shields joked in his post-game interview.

“We needed that one,” Booker added. “Our spirits were a little down from the previous losses, so we knew we needed to come out aggressive – and we did that from the beginning. We knew how important this win was, so we had to give it everything we had – and we did that.”

Paris, meanwhile, will be keen to forget this double-round week in a hurry. Next Thursday the side from the French capital welcomes FC Bayern Munich in the first of a three-game homestand, so coach Francesco Tabellini and his players will fancy their chances of getting back in the winning column once again.

After back-to-back defeats, the Little Red Shoes got back to winning ways in Round 8

Isiaha Mike put the cherry on top of an excellent week with his second consecutive stellar performance on Thursday night as FC Bayern Munich completed a successful two-game week with an 86-70 victory over Virtus Bologna.

Magic Mike dominates Dinwiddie debut as Bayern beats Virtus

[Isiaha Mike](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isiaha-mike/011836/) put the cherry on top of an excellent week with his second consecutive stellar performance on Thursday night as [FC Bayern Munich](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/fc-bayern-munich/mun/) completed a successful two-game week with an 86-70 victory over [Virtus Bologna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/virtus-segafredo-bologna/vir/).

Following an impressive victory over Real Madrid just two days prior, Bayern rode the wave of momentum into this one. Playing the team's fourth game in just seven days, the Bavarians managed to overcome understandable dips in energy to earn the convincing win at SAP Garden.

“We found energy in the last 15 minutes of the basketball game,” head coach Gordon Herbert said. “We were down with 15 minutes to go and we found some energy. I think ([Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/justinian-jessup/013290/)) came in and gave us huge minutes. He didn’t play for 25 minutes, then came on and changed the game, unbelievable performance.”

FC Bayern Munich-Virtus Bologna | Round 8 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Late-game difference maker Jessup was joined by sharpshooting [Andreas Obst](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/andreas-obst/004508/) down the stretch, who scored 11 points in the final 5 minutes to widen the margin, despite Virtus's continued effort. However, the headline performer for the second EuroLeague game in a row was Mike. The Canadian forward put in another well-rounded performance, adding 4 boards and 2 dishes to his 17-point scoring performance. After the game, he was quick to praise his team for battling throughout.

“We went into halftime to regroup, then we forced a lot of turnovers in the third quarter, went on a run, and if we can make that our identity, to be really good defensively, get out in transition, we’re going to be a really tough team to beat,” Mike stated.

Another positive for Munich was the introduction of [Spencer Dinwiddie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/spencer-dinwiddie/014162/), who entered the game after just 5 minutes, after signing last week. The seasoned American guard enjoyed mixed results in his first EuroLeague minutes. A scoreless first half and some early foul trouble meant that he finished with just 6 points and shot 0-for-4 from beyond the arc.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And ooooone! Dinwiddie&#39;s first points as a Bayern player! <a href="https://t.co/h2Ry8eil5c">pic.twitter.com/h2Ry8eil5c</a></p>&mdash; FC Bayern Basketball (@FCBBasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBBasketball/status/1984004988440375427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

After over a decade in the NBA, Dinwiddie still has to get his bearings and his coach is confident he will do that.

“It’s going to be a transition,” Herbert explained. “It’s a different kind of game for him, with the spacing. The floor is not as big as the NBA, the spacing is a little bit different, but he’ll adjust.”

Bayern came into the game week off the back of consecutive EuroLeague losses, so these bounce-back performances will be a welcome development. Following up a statement win over Real Madrid by taking care of business and making no schedule excuses is impressive. Now that Dinwiddie has a chance to integrate ahead of next week’s clash with Paris Basketball, things are looking up for the German champions.

The result brings Bayern to 3-3 for the season, while Virtus lost its winning record, moving to 4-4. Dusko Ivanovic’s men will have their shot a week from today, when they face Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz.

A second straight big game from Isiaha Mike helped spark his team to a perfect week

Crvena Zvezda dug deep to engineer a 92-99 win at Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv in Belgrade’s Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Round 8 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season

Relentless Crvena Zvezda keeps going after dislodging stubborn Maccabi 

[Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade/red/) earned its sixth straight win and improved to 6-2 after yet another gritty performance under new coach Sasa Obradovic, who keeps getting the best out of a short-handed roster missing several key players.

With [Jordan Nwora](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-nwora/013363/) joining a long list of casualties sidelined by injuries, Zvezda dug deep to engineer a 92-99 win at [Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/maccabi-rapyd-tel-aviv/tel/) in Belgrade’s Aleksandar Nikolic Hall, a venue the Serbian side is all too familiar with, although it’s the Israeli side’s temporary home.

Obradovic, who took over from Ioannis Sfairopoulos after the Greek tactician lost the opening two games, saw his men save their best for last as they excelled when the chips were down. Having led 48-58 at halftime, Zvezda threw away the advantage as Maccabi’s aggressive defense turned the tide and gave the home team an 81-78 lead early in the fourth quarter. However, Zvezda had more left in the tank during the home stretch as playmaker [Codi Miller-McIntyre](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/codi-miller-mcintyre/009048/) stood out with 23 points and 12 assists, hitting clutch shots and dishing out passes like confetti to his teammates.

Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv-Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade | Round 8 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Boasting a variety of players able to step up to the plate, Zvezda saw [Ebuka Izundu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/ebuka-izundu/014029/) feature as Thursday night’s trump card as the big man came off the bench to score a career-high 15 points - 11 of them in the fourth quarter when the visitors engineered the decisive push to force the final twist. Izundu also racked up 7 boards in a game played at a torrid pace from start to finish, with Zvezda feeling at home throughout as 1,000 of the Serbian outfit’s fans provided fervent support.

Still, Miller-McIntyre felt the overall display left a lot to be desired after Zvezda’s offense was ground to a halt for long spells in the second half, allowing Maccabi to jump into the driver's seat before Izundu’s late heroics produced a happy ending for the visiting team.

“I am happy we won, but we’ve got to play better defense,” Miller-McIntyre said in his post-game comments. “After we went down by 2 points, we did a lot of talking, stuck together and did what we had to do to win the game. We haven’t done anything yet, it’s not yet playoff time or the Final Four, so we have to continue to prove it and come out every single night to play hard defense,” he added.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">This video of Dobrić is poetry in motion 🤩🎥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/mMLZiGKH02">pic.twitter.com/mMLZiGKH02</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1984016600710988018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Chima Moneke](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/chima-moneke/012201/) contributed with 16 points and 8 boards for Zvezda and [Donatas Moteijunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/) added 11 points as the visitors collected a mind-blowing 50 rebounds, 24 of which came on the offensive end against a physical Maccabi defense. Coach Obradovic acknowledged that an industrious team effort was crucial in overpowering a battling Maccabi, which never gave up and at one point threatened to turn the game on its head.

“We found a way even when we weren’t playing well as we made small adjustments during the game and showed a big heart,” said Obradovic. “We played a great first half and should have been more than 10 points ahead, but the important thing is that we won with a shorthanded roster after forcing the final twist in the fourth quarter.

"We’ve got room to improve defensively, but tonight we beat an awkward opponent and I am very happy with the win.”

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Super catchy. It instantly sticks in your head. ❤️🤍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kkcz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kkcz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/4ZWxlbuER7">pic.twitter.com/4ZWxlbuER7</a></p>&mdash; KK Crvena zvezda Meridianbet (@kkcrvenazvezda) <a href="https://twitter.com/kkcrvenazvezda/status/1984034258017730941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It was another bitter pill to swallow for Maccabi head coach Oded Kattash, whose team has been on the receiving end of several close games that haven’t gone the Israeli team’s way. Kattash acknowledged that a poor first half on the defensive end cost Maccabi as the hosts conceded a barrage of early 3-pointers, with Zvezda scoring 33 points in the first quarter.

“We lost the game in the first half because of how we started the game defensively,” said a grim-looking Kattash.

“We adapted a bit in the third quarter and we managed to slow them down, but it wasn’t enough as we need to be consistent for 40 minutes against good teams like Red Star.”

The Serbian side celebrated its sixth successive win as it prevailed in a bruising encounter 

Coach Pedro Martínez’s second-half changes paved the way for Omari Moore to seal the win.


Valencia’s adjustments spark thrilling finish

It was one of those classic EuroLeague battles — fought possession by possession, point by point. When the final buzzer sounded, Valencia Basket had edged Dubai Basketball 80–78, securing its third consecutive victory. Valencia remains unbeaten at Roig Arena in front of its fans across all competitions. Its only home loss came against Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv in a closed-door match. Meanwhile, Dubai dropped to 1–5 on the road, despite showing promise at halftime under Coach [Jurica Golemac](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/dubai-basketball/dub/golemac-jurica).

Opponents have struggled to outpace Valencia in possessions this season, but Dubai’s strategy broke that trend. By halftime, Dubai had grabbed 8 offensive rebounds to Valencia’s 4. Although Dubai averaged 13.8 turnovers per game before this matchup, it forced Valencia into 12 first-half turnovers while committing just 7 of its own. That translated into nine extra possessions and a 41–38 lead at the break. [Darius Thompson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/darius-thompson/011078/) delivered one of the season’s standout moments with a poster dunk over [Justin Anderson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/justin-anderson/012795/), but overall, Valencia struggled to find rhythm.

“We had too many turnovers,” [Coach Martínez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/valencia-basket/pam/martinez-pedro) said at halftime. "That means shots that we don't make, and easy shots for them. I think this is making the difference. We need to improve on defensive rebounds, too."

Valencia responded after the break with sharper rebounding and better ball control. In the second half, the hosts tallied 9 offensive rebounds and just 7 turnovers, while Dubai managed 4 offensive boards and committed 9 turnovers. Valencia capitalized on those seven extra possessions, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.

[Omari Moore](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/omari-moore/014115/)’s fast-break layup gave Valencia a 74–73 edge and he later made jump hook and followed [McKinley Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/mckinley-wright-iv/012606/)’s turnaround jumper with a driving basket to seal the final score, 80–78, with 21.6 seconds left. The game came down to the finest margins: Valencia forced Dubai into an off-balance shot, and Bacon’s three-point attempt rattled out. [Davis Bertans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/davis-bertans/003458/) missed a desperation three at the buzzer.

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">OMARI!!! 🧡 <a href="https://t.co/tmJXBEkyE1">pic.twitter.com/tmJXBEkyE1</a></p>&mdash; Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciabasket/status/1984008098571522268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>


"A lot of that credit goes to my teammates. They had a lot of trust in me down the stretch, and I was able to make a couple of plays," Moore said. "Every game we are not going to be able to make all our shots, but we stayed poised. They have a lot of talented players, so we had to lock in on defense, get a couple of stops, rebound and just keep trusting in our game. We were able to come through with the win."

Moore emerged as Valencia’s clutch-time hero, scoring the team’s last 4 points in the final 66 seconds. But before that, Valencia had to regroup at halftime, correct its earlier mistakes, and return with the right mindset. In games like this — especially at the end of a double-round week — staying competitive and giving yourself a chance to win in the final moments is crucial, as Coach Martínez emphasized post-game.

"It was a very tight game that both teams could win. I am very proud for everybody," he said. "For the players that finished the game and for the players that played maybe 2-3 minutes. They are great. They have a great mentality and I really love them."

Coach Pedro Martínez’s second-half changes paved the way for Omari Moore to seal the win


With club legend Arvydas Sabonis looking on and its current go-to guys, Sylvain Francisco and Moses Wright setting the tone, Zalgiris's stars of tomorrow left their mark, too, as the Lithuanian giants roared to a 96-59 romp over AVEL Villeurbanne, which matched the club record for the largest win ever in the EuroLeague. 

Zalgiris showcases today's dominance, tomorrow's stars in record-tying blowout

On the opening play of Thursday's game at Zalgiris Arena, [LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/ldlc-asvel-villeurbanne/asv/) guard [Nando De Colo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/nando-de-colo/002100/) stole the ball from [Arnas Butkevicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/arnas-butkevicius/002676/). That steal – the first of 3 in the game for the veteran guard – put him in sole possession of fourth place on the all-time EuroLeague steal charts with 368. It would also be one of the last highlights of the game for ASVEL.

[Zalgiris Kaunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/zalgiris-kaunas/zal/) broke the game open late in the first quarter to lead by 11 after 10 minutes and it would never look back, go onto to 96-59 romp, which matched the club record for the largest win ever in the EuroLeague. With club legend Arvydas Sabonis looking on and its current go-to guys, [Sylvain Francisco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sylvain-francisco/007975/) and [Moses Wright](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/moses-wright/012878/), setting the tone, Zalgiris's stars of tomorrow left their mark, too.

Teenage talent [Kajus Mikalauskas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kajus-mikalauskas/012977/) made his EuroLeague debut when he subbed into the game with 1:35 remaining in the opening quarter and Zalgiris up 17-14. Over the next 95 seconds, he drained a three pointer, stole a ball and then dished to Wright for a slam, keying a 9-1 run to the delight of the home fans.

Zalgiris Kaunas-LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne | Round 8 Highlights | 2025-26 EuroLeague

Mikalauskas finished with 5 points, 5 assists and 2 steals – for a PIR of 13 – in less than 11 minutes on the floor. Another player with a bright future, [Mantas Rubstavicius](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mantas-rubstavicius/009299/), scored 8 points, including a soaring slam in the closing minutes that was the exclamation points on the win. Rubstavicius had totaled 3 points in five appearances prior to this game.

Francisco, the Round 7 co-MVP, continued his torrid start to the season with 15 points and 7 assists in just 19 minutes, while Wright posted 14 points and 7 boards in roughly the same playing time.

Zalgiris outshot ASVEL from every distance, including going 9 of 17 from deep (52.9%) and won the battle of the boards (39-29), but none of that was the focus of head coach Tomas Masiulis after the game.

"It was a great team win. We controlled the game through defense and as a coach I am very happy about this. I am proud for our fans," Masiulis said at the post-game press conference.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">18-year-old Kajus Mikalauskas impacts the game early in his EuroLeague debut 🔥<br><br>Q1: 3 PTS | 1 AST | 1 STL | 5 PIR <br><br>What a great start to his EuroLeague career! 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/bczalgiris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bczalgiris</a> <a href="https://t.co/MDnwkZKpks">pic.twitter.com/MDnwkZKpks</a></p>&mdash; EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1983964632701399327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The focus on teamwork and defense has trickled through the roster, as evidenced by the play of sharpshooter [Deividas Sirvydis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/deividas-sirvydis/007029/), whose 10 points gave his three straight games with double figures. Sirvydis, who also contributed 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, seamed to have channeled his coach in his post-game interview on EuroLeague TV.

"The only word is defense… Luck. Defense and staying together," he said in asked what decided the game. "Today we celebrate, we enjoy. Tomorrow, we forget everything and get ready for the next game."

Indeed, Zalgiris finished the night even with league-leader Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv on wins with 6 and could be tied for first place by the end of the round. Despite the night's achievements – a blowout win, a sparkling debut for a rising star, one of the best records in the league – Zalgiris will limit the celebrations to tonight and tomorrow will get back to working hard.

"It’s nice to break or tie a record, but it doesn’t matter if you win by 1 or 40 or 37. We are just enjoying it and I’m glad we got a win." 

The Lithuanian giants blast AVEL as current and future stars shine

Real Madrid has announced the signing of Alex Len, who has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the 2026-27 season. He spent the last 12 seasons in the NBA.

Real Madrid reels in 12-year NBA veteran Alex Len

[Real Madrid](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/real-madrid/mad/) has announced the signing of Alex Len, who has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Len (2.13 meters, 32 years old) has spent the last 12 seasons playing in the NBA, suiting up for the Phoenix Suns (2013-18), Atlanta Hawks (2018-20), Sacramento Kings (2019-20; 2021-25), Toronto Raptors (2020-21), Washington Wizards (2020-21), and the Los Angeles Lakers (2024-25).

[Following the departure of Bruno Fernando](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/partizan-signs-bruno-fernando-away-from-real-madrid/), the Ukrainian big man has arrived in Madrid to compete with starting center [Walter Tavares](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/walter-tavares/005791/) at the 5 position.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeLen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeLen</a> 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/42SL9XlbQh">pic.twitter.com/42SL9XlbQh</a></p>&mdash; Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) <a href="https://twitter.com/RMBaloncesto/status/1983967533398159434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Len started his professional career in Ukraine in 2010-11 by playing for Dnipro, before heading to the United States to represent the University of Maryland. After starring at Maryland, he was selected by the Suns with the fifth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

In 690 career regular-season games in the NBA, Len has averaged 6.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists per night. He also made 14 appearances in the NBA Playoffs, posting averages of 2.8 points and 2.5 rebounds.

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFyNSnvzI3X/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Alex Len (@alexlen_25)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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At Real Madrid, Len will reunite with [Trey Lyles](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/trey-lyles/014117/), who he played alongside 97 times during their time together with the Kings.

In the NBA, he also played with Dubai Basketball’s [Davis Bertans](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/davis-bertans/003458/) (48 games) and [Justin Anderson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/justin-anderson/012795/) (43 games), Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens’s [Richaun Holmes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/holmes-richaun/014011/) (39 games), Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade trio [Bruno Fernando](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/bruno-fernando/013667/) (36 games), [Isaac Bonga](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/isaac-bonga/006760/) (35 games) and [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/) (35 games), plus AS Monaco’s [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) (27 games) and Olympiacos Piraeus duo [Tyler Dorsey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/tyler-dorsey/009849/) (26 games) and [Sasha Vezenkov](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/) (22 games), among others.

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The Ukrainian center bolsters Los Blancos’ options at the 5 position