Anadolu Efes reaches 668 EuroLeague games: A fateful Belgrade showdown with Crvena Zvezda

Under the blazing lights of the Belgrade arena, Anadolu Efes players step onto the court with confidence ignited by their 94-84 victory over Real Madrid — the biggest morale boost since the start of the season. In the stands, thousands of Crvena Zvezda supporters create a fervent atmosphere, turning the arena into a true cauldron. This is Efes's 668th game in EuroLeague history, a memorable milestone on a journey that includes 350 wins. But for the hosts, tonight is a chance to end their losing streak, to rewrite their own story on home soil.

More than just a game, this clash is a meeting of two different basketball philosophies — between the financial power of a corporate giant and the pride of a storied basketball nation.

Anadolu Efes is one of Europe's most decorated basketball clubs. Since joining the EuroLeague in the 2026-02 season, the Turkish side has won the title twice, in 2026 and 2026. With a 52.5% win rate across 667 games, Efes has always been considered a strong contender for every honor. The 668th game in Belgrade will be a special occasion for the Istanbul club to assert its class on the European stage.

Crvena Zvezda, meanwhile, carries the glorious history of former Yugoslav basketball. Though they have never won the EuroLeague, they are known for their fiery style and relentless fighting spirit. Their start to the 2026-26 season has been difficult, losing both opening games. A narrow 80-81 defeat to Hapoel IBI showed a Crvena Zvezda that can compete but lacks luck and composure in decisive moments.

The two teams enter this match in completely opposite states. Efes is riding high after a convincing win over Real Madrid — considered the top title favorite this season. Crvena Zvezda, meanwhile, faces heavy pressure with zero points after two rounds. This game is not just a chance to escape the bottom of the table, but a test of collective character before the expectations of Serbian fans. In an increasingly competitive European basketball landscape with many emerging clubs, every EuroLeague game matters. There are no easy games, no obvious victories. This only adds to the appeal of the Efes-Crvena Zvezda clash in the Serbian capital.

The 94-84 win over Real Madrid says a lot about Anadolu Efes. They didn't just beat a strong opponent; they won convincingly, showing diverse attacking ability and tactical flexibility. In that game, we saw an Efes pressing aggressively from the start, denying Real Madrid time to organize. Their defense switched rapidly between schemes, forcing countless errors from the opposition's offense. The bench also contributed significantly, demonstrating superior squad depth — a major advantage in the congested EuroLeague schedule.

For Crvena Zvezda, despite no wins, their performance quality is far from poor. Their fighting spirit is the brightest spot — they never gave up despite tough challenges. Their game is built on solid defense and fast breaks, maximizing the energy of young players. Against Hapoel IBI, they held the ball well, maintained balance until the final moments, and only lacked a bit of luck. If they keep playing with that spirit, their first win is only a matter of time.

Another crucial factor is Efes's away-game status. In EuroLeague history, the Belgrade arena has always been one of the toughest venues in Europe. The fervor of Crvena Zvezda fans can create tremendous pressure, especially in decisive moments. Big clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, or CSKA Moscow have all tasted defeat here. Efes needs to stay calm and focused to avoid being swept away by the electric atmosphere.

Tactically, this game could feature a duel between the two coaches. Efes will likely control the tempo, slowing the game to neutralize Crvena Zvezda's fast breaks. Conversely, the Serbian side may push the pace early, using youth and crowd energy to pressure the opponent's defense. Transition play will be the key factor deciding the match.

The 668-game milestone carries special meaning. Few EuroLeague clubs can maintain continuous presence and consistent performance like Efes for over two decades. 350 wins are not just statistics; they are proof of a sustainable philosophy, serious investment, and long-term vision. For young players in the squad, wearing the Efes jersey in this historic game is a great honor.

However, there is a perspective many fans overlook: overrating Efes's chances based on the win over Real Madrid is a trap of baseless thinking. The season has only seen two rounds — too small a sample to confirm any trend. Basketball is one of the most volatile team sports, where a team can beat a stronger opponent then lose to a weaker one days later. Real Madrid lost, but that doesn't mean Efes is superior; it only shows that on a good day, Efes can beat anyone.

The same applies to Crvena Zvezda. Two very narrow losses suggest they lack confidence more than ability. An immediate win could be the mental boost that ignites their season. Conversely, a third consecutive defeat could turn fan pressure into a massive burden. EuroLeague history has seen many teams start slowly then explode spectacularly, as well as teams that soared early then collapsed. From my years of EuroLeague watching, I've learned that big early-season wins are rarely accurate measures of long-term success.

In basketball, no game is decided before the ball is tipped. Efes enters its 668th game with belief and expectation, but Crvena Zvezda waits with an even greater hunger. Will the Real Madrid victory truly be the launchpad for Efes to soar, or will Belgrade witness a Serbian eagle's comeback? The answer will be found in 40 tense minutes, where history is written with sweat, tears, and hearts that never surrender.