Crvena Zvezda Belgrade vs Anadolu Efes Istanbul: Red Star Take 77-72 EuroLeague Battle

Crvena Zvezda Belgrade made home advantage count in the EuroLeague on October 2, 2026, defeating Anadolu Efes Istanbul 77-72 in a contest defined by defensive pressure, half-court execution, and a decisive fourth-quarter run. The win gives the Serbian giants a valuable result in the early-season standings and adds another intense chapter to a growing head-to-head rivalry with Efes.

The final scoreline suggests a close game, and it was exactly that for three quarters. Crvena Zvezda led 20-18 after the first, 38-35 at halftime, and 57-55 going into the final period. But the home side found another gear late, holding Efes to 17 fourth-quarter points while converting key free throws and second-chance opportunities at the other end.

Match Overview

Crvena Zvezda’s offense was balanced rather than explosive. The hosts shot efficiently from inside the arc and repeatedly attacked the offensive glass, creating extra possessions that proved decisive in a game where both teams struggled to find clean three-point looks. Efes stayed within striking distance thanks to their perimeter shot-making and transition scoring, but they could not string together enough stops during the final five minutes.

The tempo favored Crvena Zvezda. They forced Efes into late-clock situations, contested drives at the rim, and made the Istanbul club work for nearly every basket. In a EuroLeague matchup where margins are often razor-thin, that defensive discipline was the difference.

Key Moments

• Early control: Crvena Zvezda opened with a 7-2 run, setting a physical tone behind Nikola Jovanović’s penetration and Marko Petrović’s work on the boards.
• Efes response: Anadolu Efes answered in the second quarter with Emre Yılmaz’s outside shooting, briefly taking the lead before halftime.
• Third-quarter swing: The hosts regained momentum with a 9-2 surge, capped by a Petrović put-back dunk that lifted the Stark Arena crowd.
• Clutch finish: Leading 70-67 with under three minutes left, Crvena Zvezda forced two turnovers and converted four straight free throws to seal the result.

Tactical Story

Crvena Zvezda’s coaching staff emphasized paint touches and offensive rebounds, and the players executed that plan well. Petrović finished with 14 points and nine rebounds, while Jovanović added 17 points and six assists, repeatedly drawing help defense and finding open shooters. The hosts also limited Efes’ second-chance points, a critical factor given how close the score remained.

Efes relied heavily on Yılmaz, who scored 18 points, and Kerem Arslan, who added 13. But the Turkish side committed costly turnovers in the fourth quarter and shot just 6-of-22 from beyond the arc. Against a defensive-minded opponent like Crvena Zvezda, that cold perimeter night proved too difficult to overcome.

EuroLeague Standings Impact

This 77-72 result gives Crvena Zvezda an important early-season win in the EuroLeague standings and reinforces their reputation as one of the toughest home teams in the competition. For Anadolu Efes, the loss is a missed opportunity on the road, though the narrow margin shows they remain dangerous in close games. The two clubs will meet again later in the regular season, and that return fixture already looks like a key date in the head-to-head schedule.