The Daily Star Ireland
Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) host Real Madrid in EuroLeague action on October 17, 2025 at Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia, tipping off at 5:00 pm UTC (≈ 7:00 pm local). It’s one of those marquee clashes where history matters — Madrid have often eked out wins in the cauldron of Belgrade — but Red Star, with a fired-up crowd behind them, will not make it easy. The stakes in group positioning and early confidence are high for both clubs.
Red Star Belgrade Preview
Red Star enter this game under a renewed sense of urgency. The team has had mixed results early in the EuroLeague (1 win, 1 loss in some reports) and sits mid-table in the standings. The club recently made a bold coaching move: Saša Obradović has returned as head coach following the dismissal of Ioannis Sfairopoulos. Obradović is a Belgrade icon who knows this arena intimately, and his arrival could bring a spark.
Offensively, Red Star will leverage their crowd energy, transition bursts, and aggressive drives to the basket. Their strategy likely emphasizes attacking matchups, pressuring the ball, and forcing Madrid into contested decisions. They’ll also try to generate offense from offensive rebounds and second-chance points, especially if Madrid’s rotation slips. Against Madrid’s size, Red Star may run small in some stretches to increase spacing and push tempo.
Defensively, Red Star will attempt pressure on ball-handlers, switching where possible, and challenge Madrid’s shot creators at the perimeter. Their interior defense, however, may be tested — they must be alert to weak-side rotations and collapse when Madrid’s bigs post. Obradović may deploy a zone or trap at times to disrupt Madrid’s flow. Rotation depth is thinner compared to Madrid’s, so managing fouls and energy is critical. Late in games, Red Star will lean on their most cohesive two-way players and crowd momentum to push through.
Injuries are not publicly flagged in major sources, so Red Star may appear closer to full strength. Their strengths: passionate home crowd, energy, familiarity with EuroLeague pressures. Their vulnerabilities: depth under pressure, defensive mismatches in the paint, and execution under tight pressure in crunch time.
Real Madrid Preview
Real Madrid, now coached by Sergio Scariolo, are in a phase of tactical adjustment and continuity building. Scariolo is emphasizing consistency, defensive discipline, and minimizing “disconnections” during games. In postgame remarks after a recent victory, he specifically noted that eliminating lapses is a priority. Veteran center Edy Tavares noted in interviews that the team is aligning more with Scariolo’s system, especially in rotations and spacing.
Offensive strategy for Madrid will include standard EuroLeague staples: pick-and-rolls, spacing, off-ball cuts, and controlled pace. They’ll run through Chuma Okeke, Tavares, and wing scorers. The emergence of Théo Maledon — who recently had a strong performance in limited minutes — adds another dynamic creator on the perimeter. Madrid will try to stay balanced: attack through the paint, stretch with shooters, and make Madrid’s bench contribute.
Defensively, Scariolo’s squads often emphasize switching on the perimeter, strong help-side rotations, and rim protection. Tavares is central to Madrid’s interior defense, anchoring the paint. Madrid will try to force Red Star into outside shots, contest closeouts, and prevent second chances. They must avoid turnovers and sloppy possessions against a team that thrives on momentum.
Rotation depth is a strength for Madrid. Scariolo will stagger minutes and trust his deeper bench more than many opponents. In closing minutes, Madrid may lean on experienced scorers, defenders, and Tavares controlling the paint. Madrid’s strengths: depth, interior size, tactical discipline, experience in hostile venues. Their weakness: road discomfort in electrified arenas, occasional defensive lapses if concentration wavers.
Recent Form & Context
Red Star’s early EuroLeague results show they’re still jelling; they’ve faced tough road games and home challenges. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have shown flashes of cohesion — their recent win over Red Star in Belgrade (72–78) showed they can endure under pressure. In that March 2025 game, Madrid built a first-half lead, absorbed Red Star’s comeback attempt, and closed the game with composure. Madrid also noted that defensive consistency was key in that win. Red Star have also had moments of brilliance, particularly at home, but sustaining over 40 minutes against Madrid’s depth is a tough task.
Key Players to Watch
Red Star: Shabazz Napier or Codi Miller-McIntyre (if active) will be critical in ball creation and tempo management; Jordan Nwora / Chima Moneke on the wings for scoring and spacing; Interior big / rebounder to battle Tavares and limit second chances.
Real Madrid: Edy Tavares — his paint presence and rebounding are vital; Chuma Okeke — his perimeter shooting and slashing can stretch defenses; Théo Maledon — a spark off guard rotation and secondary playmaker.
What to Watch Live
Which team controls tempo — Red Star pushing or Madrid imposing half-court structure? Early foul trouble, especially for bigs, will change matchups. Bench contributions: which reserves can sustain momentum shifts? Defensive adjustments: will either side switch or drop zones mid-game? Clutch execution in the final 5 minutes — Madrid have shown experience here, but Red Star’s crowd can make late runs dangerous.
Betting Insight
Real Madrid are likely slight favorites, especially given their depth and prior success in Belgrade. The spread may sit around –2.5 to –4. The total points line could lean under or near 160, given expected defensive intensity.
Player props: Tavares rebounds over, Okeke points, Miller-McIntyre or Napier scoring if Red Star depend on perimeter creation. A strong angle: Madrid + rebounding margin, or take Real on a small spread.
Betting verdict: Back Real Madrid to win and cover; Under is viable if pace remains controlled.
Prediction
We expect Real Madrid to win 80–75 in a tight, grindy affair. The X-factor: interior control and late-game composure. If Madrid’s bench holds and Tavares neutralizes Red Star’s bigs, Real should escape with a road win even in Belgrade’s atmosphere.
