The two teams face off at Movistar Arena on Wednesday night (20:45 CEST)
Real Madrid vs. Partizan: A rivalry steeped in history and legacy
Game Preview
3 Минутное чтение
Regular Season
Round 4 of 38
Regular Season
Real MadridRMB
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Partizan Mozzart Bet BelgradePAR
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It’s always a special occasion when Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade visits Real Madrid in the Spanish capital. Beyond a rivalry spanning more than six decades, there’s a historic connection between Partizan head coach Zeljko Obradovic and Los Blancos.
Back in 1995, Obradovic led Real to its eighth EuroLeague title with a 73–61 win over Olympiacos Piraeus in the final. It was Los Merengues' first EuroLeague championship in 15 years. They wouldn’t win another until 2015. Obradovic also guided Real to the Saporta Cup title in 1996.
The rivalry has only grown in recent years. In the 2023 EuroLeague Playoffs, Real pulled off what many consider the greatest comeback in EuroLeague history – becoming the first and only team to recover from a 0–2 deficit in a best-of-five series. The Spanish side won three straight games to eliminate Partizan, reach the Final Four, and go on to win the title.
Game 5 was unforgettable. Real rallied from 16 points down in the final 13 minutes to win 98–94. Sergio Rodriguez led the way with 19 points, 6 assists, and a PIR of 26. Just three years later, "El Chacho" is now the team’s general manager.
Since those opening losses in the 2023 series, Real has beaten Partizan seven straight times. That includes a dramatic 91–89 road win in Belgrade last season, sealed by a buzzer-beating jump hook from Walter Tavares.
Tavares has consistently delivered big games against Partizan. On May 2, 2023, he set career highs with 26 points, 11 two-pointers made, and a PIR of 41 in Real’s 82–80 Game 3 victory. This time, he and Bruno Fernando will face off against Tyrique Jones and Aleksej Pokusevski down low.
Both teams are looking for their third straight win in the competition.
Partizan edged EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 80–78 in Round 2, then topped Anadolu Efes Istanbul 93–87 in Round 3. Isaac Bonga has been key so far, averaging 11.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and a PIR of 18.7 after helping Germany win EuroBasket 2025.
His matchup with Trey Lyles – who is coming off a strong game against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne – could be a highlight. With Shake Milton injured, Sterling Brown is expected to lead the Partizan backcourt. He’s averaging a team-best 16.7 points per game.
Real also picked up two home wins — 89–77 over Olympiacos in Round 2 and 85–72 against ASVEL in Round 3. Mario Hezonja (14.3 ppg) is the only Real player averaging double digits, showing how many players are capable of stepping up.
To win, Partizan must limit Andres Feliz and Facu Campazzo’s impact on the game tempo. Carlik Jones will be key in setting the right rhythm and preventing Real from running in transition. Rebounding and defensive balance will be crucial.
For Real, involving Tavares in the paint and using their depth to maintain a fast pace could give them the edge.
Either way, it’s Real vs. Partizan in Madrid – and EuroLeague fans are in for a treat.