MATCH OF THE ROUND: Eternal Derby Takes Center Stage: Zvezda vs. Partizan
The spotlight of the AdmiralBet ABA League this weekend will be firmly on Belgrade this Sunday, as Crvena zvezda Meridianbet and Partizan Mozzart Bet face off in the Match of the Round in what promises to be another exciting edition of the eternal derby.
(Photo: ABA League j.t.d./Dragana Stjepanovic)
2025/26 AdmiralBet ABA League Top 8 Round 4, Sunday, 22 March 2026:
CRVENA ZVEZDA MERIDIANBET - PARTIZAN MOZZART BET
Where? Belgrade Arena, Belgrade
When? 20:30
Story of the Game: The spotlight of the AdmiralBet ABA League this weekend will be firmly on Belgrade this Sunday, as Crvena zvezda Meridianbet and Partizan Mozzart Bet face off in the Match of the Round in what promises to be another exciting edition of the eternal derby.
This will be the first clash between the two rivals in the AdmiralBet ABA League this season, and their second overall in the 2025/26 campaign. Their previous meeting came in the EuroLeague, where Partizan Mozzart Bet defended home court and emerged victorious. This time, however, the stage shifts to Zvezda’s arena, where the red-and-whites will count on the immense support of their passionate fans - often a decisive factor in games of this magnitude.
Crvena zvezda Meridianbet enter the derby looking to bounce back after a difficult stretch. They are coming off two consecutive defeats, first against Dubai Basketball in the AdmiralBet ABA League, and then against Panathinaikos Athens in EuroLeague on Friday night. Returning home for the derby could be exactly what they need to regain momentum and confidence.
On the other side, Partizan Mozzart Bet arrive in high spirits. They have been in excellent form, collecting three wins in the Top 8 stage, while also riding a three-game winning streak in the EuroLeague. With momentum on their side, the black-and-whites now aim to crown this run with the most valuable win of all - the Belgrade derby triumph.
Match-up in focus: As always, individual battles could play a crucial role, and the matchup to watch will be between two elite guards - Jared Butler and Carlik Jones. Both players have the ability to take over the game offensively, capable of scoring in bunches and dictating the tempo. If either of them finds his rhythm early, he could very well tilt the balance in his team’s favor.
Head-to-Head Score in ABA: In total 35:30; At Crvena zvezda Meridianbet home court 24:8.
