On February 4, 2025, the EuroLeague saw Bayern Munich take on Olimpia Milano at the SAP Garden, with both teams vying for pivotal playoff positioning. Despite the close nature of their historical encounters, Bayern Munich emerged victorious, defeating Milano 87-70, solidifying their place in the standings.
Bayern entered the match with momentum, boasting a record of 14-10, having managed to win three of their last four games. Their latest victory against Zalgiris Kaunas showcased their scoring abilities, particularly with Andreas Obst lighting it up from beyond the arc.
Olimpia Milano, at 13-11, was fresh off an inspiring win against the defending champions Panathinaikos. Coach Ettore Messina emphasized the importance of the upcoming games: "Ovviamente, è una partita molto importante come d’altronde d’ora in avanti lo sarà ognuna delle dieci gare che ci restano da giocare e decideranno il destino di tutte le squadre." This perspective highlighted the high stakes for both sides going forward.
The first half of the game was tightly contested. Milano's Zach LeDay and Bayern’s Carsen Edwards were instrumental, with LeDay scoring consistently to help keep the game within reach. The first quarter concluded with Bayern just edging out at 17-16, setting the stage for what looked to be another exhilarating battle.
Following the brief pause, Bayern stepped it up with Edwards starting on fire, contributing key points early on. The hosts quickly established a lead, upping the pressure on Milano. Despite efforts to respond, including strong performances from LeDay, who had 33 points on the night, it was clear Bayern was gaining momentum.
At the break, the scores were close, 37-36, but the second half saw Bayern exploit gaps in Milano's defense. Their strategic play, bolstered by their depth—particularly from players like Niels Giffey and Johannes Voigtmann—demonstrated their capability to convert defense to offense efficiently.
By the time the game hit the final quarter, Bayern was leading decisively, and their offensive rhythm became increasingly tough for Milano to disrupt. The final score read 87-70, marking another chapter of success for the Bavarians. Coach Gordon Herbert's squad showcased resilience, especially after edging out Milano earlier in the season, which had been decided by just one point.
This victory was key as both teams strive for inclusion in the playoff picture, where each game significantly impacts their fortunes. With the EuroLeague season heading toward its climax, matches like this one will increasingly define each team’s path forward.
Looking to the future, both teams are aware of the uphill battles yet to be faced. With the competition intensifying, and injuries plaguing both rosters, the future remains uncertain but full of hope for teams like Olimpia Milano, who continue to fight for their place at the top.