By Nikola Miloradovic/ info@eurohoops.net
The landscape of European basketball changed forever on December 8, 2022. That was the day Partizan Mozzart Bet and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet met for the first time on the EuroLeague stage.
Since that historic night, every encounter has been a war of nerves. As we approach the eighth edition of this elite continental clash, the rivalry remains razor-thin.
Partizan currently leads the series 4–3. While every game has been fiercely contested, three matchups have etched themselves into EuroLeague folklore.
These games defined what it means to play in one of Europe’s most passionate basketball hotbeds, where every possession feels like a final, and the stands shake from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer.
Cold-blooded Nedović
The atmosphere in a sold-out Belgrade Arena for that first-ever meeting was electrifying. More than 18,000 fans witnessed history in a showcase of Serbian basketball passion.
The game was decided in dramatic fashion. With the clock winding down, Luca Vildoza attacked the rim, drawing the defense before kicking the ball out to Nemanja Nedović in the corner. Nedović didn’t hesitate, burying a cold-blooded three-pointer that silenced the black-and-white crowd.
Crvena Zvezda secured a 76–73 victory, with Nedović (20 points) emerging as the ultimate hero. Despite strong performances from Kevin Punter (15 points) and Mathias Lessort (11 points, 10 rebounds), it was Zvezda’s composure in the clutch that set the tone for the rivalry.
The Teodosic masterclass
The rivalry reached another peak in the 2023/24 season, when Crvena Zvezda delivered a dominant 88–72 win. The game belonged to veteran maestro Miloš Teodosić.
The EuroLeague legend turned the derby into his own personal stage, proving that class is permanent. In a vintage display of basketball artistry, the veteran maestro “danced” through Partizan’s defense, orchestrating the offense with surgical precision. Teodosić finished with 7 assists and a PIR of 23.
His primary target was derby debutant Freddie Gillespie, who became an overnight sensation by finishing Teodosić’s creative lobs for 14 points on an efficient 7/8 shooting.
While Nemanja Nedović added 16 points, it was Teodosić’s absolute command of the floor that allowed Zvezda to dictate the tempo. It was a masterclass in leadership and vision, turning the Arena into a red-and-white pressure cooker that Partizan simply could not overcome.
Partizan’s comeback in 2026
The latest chapter, in the 2025/26 season, came amid a period of transition for Partizan. With Željko Obradović no longer on the bench, Mirko Ocokoljić stepped in during a turbulent stretch marked by uncertainty.
When Crvena Zvezda’s Devonte Graham hit a three-pointer to extend the lead to 14 early in the fourth quarter, the game appeared decided.
But Partizan responded with a stunning surge. The black-and-whites raised their intensity and completed a remarkable comeback.
Duane Washington led the way with 25 points, hitting key shots in the final minutes to seal a 79–76 victory. Isaac Bonga added a double-double (16 points, 11 rebounds), while Tyrique Jones dominated with a PIR of 30.
Despite 20-point performances from Jordan Nwora and Jared Butler, Zvezda fell short, as Partizan once again proved the unpredictable nature of the Belgrade derby.
Every derby tells its own story, and the upcoming eighth meeting promises more drama.
Crvena Zvezda is fighting for a playoff spot, while Partizan, already out of postseason contention, enters in top form with a five-game winning streak.
The psychological battle has already begun. Carlik Jones recently made his intentions clear, aiming to halt Zvezda’s playoff push.
With Zvezda chasing survival and Partizan looking to defend their pride and spoil their rival’s season, the Belgrade Arena is once again ready to erupt.