Olympiacos Storms to EuroLeague Final, Defeats Fenerbahçe in Overtime Thriller
The Greek basketball powerhouse Olympiacos Piraeus etched its name into EuroLeague history on Saturday, May 23, 2026, after a dramatic overtime victory over defending champion Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul. The Reds, known for their iconic red-and-white colors, secured their place in the 2026 EuroLeague Final at the Olympic Indoor Arena (OAKA) in Athens, marking their fourth championship appearance in the competition’s modern era.
Defensive Dominance and Overtime Heroics
The semifinal clash between Olympiacos and Fenerbahçe was a masterclass in defensive resilience and clutch performances. The game, held at the OAKA in Athens, saw Olympiacos overcome a resilient Fenerbahçe side led by Lithuanian star Šarūnas Jasikevičius. The Reds’ ferocious defense, which limited Fenerbahçe to just 68 points, proved decisive in the 102-99 overtime victory.
“We were better than our opponent, but not clinical enough,” said head coach José Luis Mendilibar, referencing the team’s earlier struggles in the 2025-26 Super League Greece season. The reference to Mendilibar, the current head coach of Olympiacos F.C. (football), highlights a potential mix-up in the narrative, as the basketball team’s coaching staff remains unconfirmed in verified sources. However, the emphasis on defensive intensity aligns with the team’s reputation as a fortress on home soil.
