Piraeus, Greece – The rivalry between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos remains as fierce as ever and their latest encounter on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, delivered exactly that. Olympiacos secured a 1-0 victory over Panathinaikos in a match brimming with pre-game tension and playoff implications for both sides. The win for Olympiacos, currently ranked second in the league, bolsters their chances of securing a top-four finish and a coveted first-round berth in the EuroLeague playoffs. For Panathinaikos, ranked fifth, the defeat complicates their pursuit of avoiding the play-in tournament, a relatively new addition to the EuroLeague format modeled after the NBA system.
The build-up to this Greek basketball clásico was particularly charged, fueled by the outspoken comments of Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman and club president Dimitrios Giannakopoulos. Ataman, seemingly unfazed by the pressure, stated, “¿Presión? Ha hecho buen tiempo y fui a nadar. Iremos a la Final Four,” (translated: “Pressure? The weather was good and I went swimming. We are going to the Final Four.”) according to reports. Giannakopoulos went even further, expressing unwavering confidence in his team: “I am incredibly optimistic. We have the best team in Europe, the best players in Europe, the best atmosphere in Europe, the best stadium in Europe and the best coach in Europe. It is only a matter of time before this table has the three trophies. We will celebrate on June 22nd, the day of my birthday. You are all invited. We will place tequila in one, vodka in another. And what will we put in the third, Kendrick (Nunn)? Well, cognac. You are my boy. I am very optimistic.”
Although, the celebratory mood envisioned by Giannakopoulos failed to materialize. Olympiacos proved too strong for Panathinaikos, dealing a significant blow to their playoff aspirations with eight regular season games remaining. Despite a spirited comeback attempt in the third quarter – outscoring Olympiacos 27-18 – Panathinaikos couldn’t overcome the 11-point halftime deficit (40-29). Olympiacos maintained control throughout the second half, securing a hard-fought victory.
Olympiacos’s success was built on a collaborative team effort, with five players scoring in double figures. Notably, all ten Olympiacos players who saw court time contributed to the scoring, demonstrating a depth of talent that proved crucial. Panathinaikos relied heavily on the individual brilliance of Kendrick Nunn, who delivered another strong performance with 20 points, shooting 5 of 7 from two-point range and 3 of 6 from beyond the arc. However, his six assists were offset by six turnovers, one of 17 committed by Panathinaikos as a team.
The absence of Sasha Vezenkov further highlights Olympiacos’s achievement. Without a key contributor, they still managed to dominate, showcasing their team cohesion and tactical flexibility. Panathinaikos now faces an increasingly uphill battle to secure a favorable playoff position. Their hopes rest on a strong finish to the regular season, but time is running out.
This match underscores the intensity of the Greek basketball rivalry. For fans, it’s more than just a game; it’s a matter of pride and city supremacy. The atmosphere at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium was electric, reflecting the passion and commitment of both sets of supporters. The result leaves Panathinaikos in a precarious position, needing to regroup and find consistency in the remaining games.
The EuroLeague play-in format, introduced to mirror the NBA’s system, adds another layer of complexity to the playoff race. Teams finishing between seventh and tenth place will compete in a play-in tournament to earn a spot in the playoffs. Panathinaikos’s current standing puts them at risk of being involved in this additional stage, something they are keen to avoid. The stakes are high, and every game carries significant weight as teams jostle for position.
Looking ahead, Panathinaikos will demand to address their turnover issues and find more consistent offensive contributions beyond Nunn. Olympiacos, meanwhile, will aim to build on this victory and maintain their momentum as they push for a top-four finish. The remainder of the EuroLeague regular season promises to be a thrilling ride, with several teams vying for playoff contention.
The next confirmed checkpoint for both teams will be their upcoming EuroLeague fixtures. Details regarding dates, times, and opponents will be released by the league in the coming days. Fans can stay updated on official team websites and EuroLeague’s official channels.
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