In a high-intensity clash at the Club Friendship tournament, Crvena Zvezda Belgrade claimed a hard-fought 91–85 victory over Olimpia Milano, showcasing their trademark physicality and late-game execution in a match that felt far more significant than a typical early-September friendly. The Serbian side outlasted the Italian powerhouse on the night of September 4, 2026, delivering a statement performance ahead of the new continental campaign.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both sides treated the fixture as a serious rehearsal rather than a relaxed exhibition. Olimpia Milano came out sharp, using their superior size inside to build an early advantage, while Crvena Zvezda leaned on aggressive perimeter defense and transition offense to stay within striking distance. The first half was a chess match, with the lead changing hands on multiple occasions before Zvezda carried a modest cushion into the break.

The game swung decisively in the third quarter, when the visitors from Belgrade tightened their defensive rotations and Milano began to struggle with shot selection. By the start of the fourth, Crvena Zvezda had stretched the margin to double figures, and every Milano attempt to reclaim momentum was met with a timely answer on the other end.

Key Moments

• Early Milano surge: The home side opened with a 10–2 run, capitalizing on offensive rebounds and second-chance points to set the tone inside.
• Zvezda's third-quarter turnaround: A pivotal 14–3 spurt early in the second half flipped the momentum, fueled by back-to-back steals that led to easy fast-break finishes.
• Clutch execution down the stretch: With Milano cutting the deficit to four points in the final two minutes, Crvena Zvezda calmly knocked down free throws and controlled the tempo to seal the road win.

Tactical Story

Olimpia Milano’s game plan centered on exploiting their frontcourt depth, and for long stretches it worked. They controlled the glass and generated a steady stream of fouls in the paint. However, the home side struggled with turnovers against Zvezda’s aggressive full-court pressure, particularly in the second half. Milano’s guard play became disjointed as the visitors switched heavily on screens, forcing isolation attempts late in the shot clock.

Crvena Zvezda, meanwhile, dictated the game’s tempo. They neutralized Milano’s inside presence by collapsing defensively, then pushed the ball quickly in transition before the Italian defense could set. Their ability to hit open perimeter shots off that transition pressure proved to be the decisive factor, as they shot a robust percentage from beyond the arc in the second half.

Standout Performances

Zvezda’s veteran backcourt was the engine of the victory. Their lead guard controlled the game’s flow, finishing as the high scorer while also making critical defensive plays in the clutch. The Serbian team’s captain provided leadership and a steadying presence, calmly orchestrating the offense during the decisive fourth-quarter possessions.

For Olimpia Milano, the frontcourt was the main positive. Their starting big man imposed his will early, registering a double-double and repeatedly punishing mismatches down low. Yet, the supporting cast around him lacked consistency from the perimeter, and the team's inability to protect the ball during crucial stretches ultimately proved costly.

Impact and Next Steps

While the Club Friendship tournament does not carry official standings, these matches serve as an important measuring stick for European clubs preparing for domestic and continental competition. For Crvena Zvezda, defeating a EuroLeague heavyweight on the road builds confidence and validates their aggressive defensive identity in the preseason. For Olimpia Milano, the narrow defeat highlights areas for improvement, particularly discipline with the ball and perimeter defense against transition-oriented opponents.

Both teams will take valuable lessons from this competitive friendly. With the regular season approaching, Milano will look to sharpen its execution, while Zvezda will aim to carry this momentum into their remaining tournament fixtures.