Panathinaikos claimed its seventh European title on Sunday, overcoming a 14-point deficit to defeat defending champion Real Madrid with a final score of 95-80 in Berlin’s championship game.
The Greek team, known as the Greens, showcased a remarkable comeback, emblematic of a tenacious spirit often seen in finals. Despite a rocky start and trailing by 11 points at the end of the first quarter, Panathinaikos rallied to tighten their defense and continued to exhibit their offensive prowess.
Real Madrid initially extended their lead to 41-27, but the Greens’ worst defensive quarter of the Euroleague season, conceding 36 points in the first 10 minutes, did not deter them. As Panathinaikos found their rhythm, Real Madrid seemed to lose steam, reminiscent of their semifinal performance against Olympiakos.
By halftime, Real’s lead had dwindled to five points (54-49), hinting at the shift that was to unfold in the second half. The third quarter saw Panathinaikos dominate with a formidable defense that allowed only seven points, propelling them ahead at 58-56 for the first time in the match, a lead they would maintain.
The Greens effectively neutralized Real Madrid’s key players and executed a series of three-pointers, extending their lead to an unexpected 18 points towards the game’s conclusion.
The victory marked Panathinaikos’s first Euroleague triumph in 13 years, a momentous occasion that brought tears to the players and coach Ergin Ataman. This win reinforces Panathinaikos’s status as one of Europe’s premier basketball clubs.