Olympiacos Stuns Real Madrid to Secure Fourth Consecutive Euroleague Final Four Berth

In a thrilling show of hoops prowess, Olympiacos Piraeus defeated Real Madrid 86-84 successful a nail-biting Euroleague quarter-final, securing their spot successful the Final Four for the 4th consecutive year.

The Greek giants, led by an inspired Evan Fournier, a commanding Kostas Papanikolaou, and a decisive Sasha Vezenkov, conquered Madrid’s WiZink Center, earning a summons to the prestigious Abu Dhabi showdown.

Olympiacos, who finished atop the regular play standings, showcased their title pedigree by outlasting the reigning Euroleague champions. Despite a shaky archetypal fractional wherever antiaircraft lapses saw them trailing 47-42 astatine halftime, manager Georgios Bartzokas’ squad regrouped and dominated the 2nd half. Fournier’s scoring spree and Papanikolaou’s enactment connected some ends of the tribunal propelled Olympiacos to a commanding 15-point pb (82-67) successful the 4th quarter.

Real Madrid, known for their resilience, mounted a fierce comeback, fueled by Mario Hezonja’s 21 points and a precocious 11-0 tally that brought them wrong 4 points. However, a missed layup by Sergio Llull successful modulation and a clutch three-pointer from Vezenkov swung the momentum backmost to Olympiacos. A last missed changeable by Alberto Abalde sealed Real Madrid’s fate, arsenic the Greek broadside held steadfast nether immense pressure.

Fournier led Olympiacos with 23 points, including a cleanable 5-for-5 from the free-throw line, portion Papanikolaou added 12 points, sinking 4-of-6 three-pointers. Vezenkov contributed 10 points and six assists, proving his worthy successful captious moments. For Real Madrid, Hezonja’s scoring outburst was supported by Dzanan Musa’s 12 points and Llull’s 11, but it wasn’t capable to flooded Olympiacos’ relentless attack.

The game’s quarters unfolded arsenic follows: 21-16, 47-42, 65-68, and 84-86. Olympiacos’ triumph marks their 14th Final Four appearance, cementing their presumption arsenic a Euroleague powerhouse. They articulation Fenerbahce arsenic the 2nd squad to suffice for the Abu Dhabi event, mounting the signifier for different epic section successful their storied history.

For Greek fans, this triumph is simply a testament to Olympiacos’ bosom and determination. As Piraeus celebrates, the squad present sets its sights connected Euroleague glory, acceptable to conflict Europe’s elite successful the desert.