In a thrilling showdown at the Belgrado Arena, Real Madrid faced off against Partizan in the final match of the Euroleague 2024-25 regular season on April 10, 2025. The stakes were high for Madrid, who needed a victory to secure a better playoff position, while Partizan played for pride after being eliminated from playoff contention.
The atmosphere was electric as the home crowd rallied behind Partizan, who aimed to finish the season on a high note. Despite their elimination, the Serbian fans created a vibrant environment, eager to see their team triumph over the Spanish giants. The match kicked off at 20:30 local time, and it was evident from the start that both teams were ready to battle.
Real Madrid, coached by Chus Mateo, had been on a five-game winning streak and was looking to extend their success. They entered the game with a chance to finish anywhere between fourth and ninth place in the standings, depending on other match outcomes. Mateo emphasized the importance of focusing solely on their performance, stating, "The only thing I try to do is think about what we should do. We only have to think about our game. I don't want anything, in any other circumstance, to affect us in any way. We don't depend on what happens in other fields and that will give us security in what we do."
Partizan, under the guidance of Zeljko Obradovic, had a tumultuous season and faced Madrid with nothing to lose. The team had suffered a recent defeat against Kaunas, which confirmed their mathematical elimination from playoff contention. Nevertheless, the players were determined to give their fans a memorable performance. The first quarter ended with Partizan leading 24-22, much to the delight of their supporters.
As the game progressed, tensions rose. Madrid's Sergio Llull faced relentless boos from the crowd, a reminder of past confrontations between the two teams, particularly a notorious incident during the 2023 playoffs. This animosity fueled the intensity on the court, as both teams exchanged baskets and defensive stands. The first half showcased a back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to establish a significant lead.
In the second quarter, Madrid's Edy Tavares made his presence felt with crucial rebounds and scoring, while Dzanan Musa also contributed significantly. Tavares scored after being assisted by Musa, showcasing their chemistry on the court. However, Partizan's Brandon Davies responded with his own scoring run, making it clear that he would not let Madrid dominate.
As the match approached halftime, Partizan's Vanja Marinkovic and Aleksej Pokusevski made key contributions, keeping the pressure on Madrid. The teams went into the break with the score tightly contested, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
After halftime, the game continued to be a nail-biter. Both teams exchanged leads, with Partizan looking to capitalize on Madrid's mistakes. The home side managed to stretch their lead to nine points at one point, but Madrid wasn't ready to back down. The urgency of the situation forced Madrid to dig deep and respond with a series of critical plays.
With the game entering the final quarter, the atmosphere was charged. The crowd roared as Partizan's players executed their game plan effectively, and the scoreboard reflected their efforts. However, Madrid's resilience shone through as they fought back, showcasing their experience and skill in high-pressure situations.
In the closing moments of the game, the tension was palpable. Fans were on the edge of their seats, and every possession mattered. Madrid's ability to secure offensive rebounds became crucial, allowing them second chances to score. This was particularly evident as Tavares and Ibaka made significant contributions despite facing foul trouble.
As the clock wound down, Partizan's players, led by Davies and Marinkovic, continued to challenge Madrid's defense, demonstrating their determination to end the season on a high note. Each basket exchanged felt monumental, with the lead changing hands multiple times.
In the end, the match was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams. While Real Madrid needed the win to improve their playoff seeding, Partizan fought valiantly for their honor in front of their passionate fans. The game concluded with a thrilling atmosphere, leaving fans eager for the playoffs ahead.
With this victory, Real Madrid solidified their place in the playoff picture, while Partizan ended their season with pride, having fought hard against one of the top teams in Europe. As the teams left the court, it was clear that the rivalry between these two storied clubs would continue to ignite passion and excitement in future matchups.
