The basketball players of Panathinaikos Athens have triumphed in the Euroleague for the fifth time, making them the sole record winners.
In the final of the Final Four in Berlin, the Greeks won 95:80 (49:54) thanks to a strong second half against the Spanish defending champions Real Madrid, who failed to draw level with Athens and CSKA Moscow from Russia in terms of victories. Panathinaikos last won the trophy in 2011.
Athens coach Ataman is a specialist for the Euroleague
The Madrilenians started strongly, had already scored 22 points after five and a half minutes and were ahead 36:25 at the quarter break. Athens defended better in the second period, only allowing two points in the first six minutes of the second half and turning the game around. In the final period, Athens maintained its lead with a number of three-pointers, two of which were scored by top scorer Kostas Sloukas (24 points). The Greek club dominated the second half with 46:26.
Coach Ergin Ataman celebrated his third Euroleague triumph in just four years. The Turk triumphed with Anadolu Istanbul in 2021 and 2022. He said: “It’s unbelievable. We had a great season. I’m very happy and very proud.”
Piraeus wins match for third place
Madrid beat Olympiacos Piraeus 87:76 in the semifinals on Friday, while Athens beat Fenerbahce Istanbul 73:57. Piraeus took third place on Sunday with an 87:84 victory over Istanbul.
Riots between fans from Athens and Piraeus
Riots and a mass brawl between fans of the rival Greek clubs from Athens and Piraeus broke out in Berlin around the Final Four. On Saturday evening, one person was critically injured and 89 people were provisionally arrested.
