Crvena Zvezda’s season could hardly have started worse. The Belgrade giants entered the year with high expectations.
Still, they quickly found themselves in turmoil, marked by two early defeats, disappointment in the ABA League, and the dismissal of head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos.
His assistant, Tomislav Tomovic, suddenly found himself promoted to the top job, making his debut in Istanbul against the reigning European champions, Fenerbahçe.
Yet in a twist few could have predicted, Red Star rose from the ashes. Despite all the uncertainty, the Serbian team delivered a stunning 86–81 victory over Fenerbahçe on their home court.
It was a statement win – one that suggested a fresh start rather than a downward spiral. As one local journalist described it, “When everyone counted them out, Red Star reminded Europe what resilience looks like.”
Chima Moneke was the standout performer, dominating on both ends with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
“We just wanted to prove to ourselves that we’re still that team,” Moneke said after the game. “It was about heart.”
Debutant Donatas Motiejunas impressed with 13 points, quickly proving his worth as a key addition, while Tyson Carter contributed 15 crucial points.
For Fenerbahçe, Talen Horton-Tucker and Bonzie Colson each tallied 19 points, and Mikael Jantunen added 15, but the home team never managed to fully seize control.
Coach Sarunas Jasikevicius admitted afterward, “Red Star outworked us. They came hungry, and we didn’t match their energy.”
The win felt like a jolt of life for Crvena Zvezda – the kind of “shock therapy” that sometimes revives a struggling side.
Though Tomovic was initially viewed as a stopgap solution, his debut showcased composure and tactical awareness that may earn him more time at the helm.
“He brought a sense of calm and confidence,” one insider said. “The players responded immediately.”
After three games, Red Star finally secured their first victory of the season, matching Fenerbahçe’s 1–2 record.
Jasikevicius, who led the Turkish side to the top of Europe last season, now faces a tough stretch, particularly in the absence of Nigel Hayes-Davis.
In the upcoming round, Crvena Zvezda will welcome Zalgiris to Belgrade, while Fenerbahçe will attempt to recover against Dubai in front of their home fans.
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) October 10, 2025
