Zvezda and Zadar Bring the Curtain Down on Round 1 in Belgrade
In the last match of Round 1, Crvena zvezda Meridianbet will welcome Zadar in the iconic Aleksandar Nikolić Hall, Belgrade.
(Photo: ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic)
2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Group B Round 1, Monday, 6 October 2025:
CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET - ZADAR
Where? Aleksandar Nikolić hall, Belgrade
When? 20:00
Story of the game: In the last match of Round 1, Crvena zvezda Meridianbet will welcome Zadar in the iconic Aleksandar Nikolić Hall, Belgrade.
The red-and-whites enter this game with a strong desire to reset and bounce back after a tough start to the new season. Crvena zvezda Meridianbet did not finish the previous campaign the way they wanted - missing out on both the AdmiralBet ABA League and Serbian Championship titles, while their opening week in the 2025/26 EuroLeague did not bring better fortune either, as they suffered two defeats.
However, it’s important to note that injuries have played a major role in Zvezda’s slow start. With several key players sidelined early in the season, head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos has had to make constant adjustments to his rotation. Still, a home win on Monday would be the perfect way for the Belgrade powerhouse to regain confidence and kick off their AdmiralBet ABA League journey on a positive note.
On the other side, Zadar arrive in Belgrade full of optimism. Zadar have made a solid start to their 2025/26 campaign with two wins in the domestic championship, and they’ll now try to carry that momentum into the AdmiralBet ABA League. Although winning on the road in Belgrade is never easy, Zadar know it’s possible - they have done it three times in ABA League history, including once just three years ago in this very same hall.
Match-Up in focus: Codi Miller-McIntyre vs Vladimir Mihailović.
One of the most intriguing battles on the court will be the backcourt duel between Codi Miller-McIntyre and Vladimir Mihailović.
Miller-McIntyre has been one of Zvezda’s brightest spots in the early part of the season, delivering two excellent scoring performances in EuroLeague action last week. His scoring power and aggressiveness will once again be crucial as Zvezda look to find rhythm on offense and push the pace in transition.
Mihailović, on the other hand, remains Zadar’s offensive leader. A proven scorer and veteran playmaker, he can hurt defenses both with his jump shot and his ability to drive inside. His consistency and experience are key reasons behind Zadar’s strong start this season.
Head-to-head score in ABA: In total 33:13; In Belgrade 19:3.
