In previous seasons, the matches between Partizan and SC Derby were of high quality and uncertain, and it happened that the Podgorica team surprised a stronger rival and won.
It is still remembered when the “students” defeated Partizan in Belgrade in the first match of the quarter-finals in the 2022/2023 season, and then in Podgorica were on the verge of another triumph and a sensational place in the semi-finals. The Super Cup in Podgorica is also remembered, when Borna Kapusta defeated the “black and whites” in September 2023 and brought the trophy to the Podgorica team. It was the last victory of SC Derbi over Partizan, after that the Belgrade team celebrated all three times.
Partizan is the absolute favorite in tonight's (20) match at the Belgrade Arena in the 19th round of the regional competition. The "Students" come to the Serbian capital after losing to Zadar in the previous round, ending their two-game winning streak in the regional competition. But what is most important for Petar Mijović's team is the fact that they are far from the relegation zone.
- Certainly one of the toughest matches so far. Partizan is the absolute favorite, without a doubt. A team that is in top form, playing top basketball, with a top coach. It's up to us to try to match them. We are aware that this will largely depend on their approach and commitment - said Mijović.
SC Derby has its own ambitions.
- I hope that we will manage to fulfill our goals for the upcoming game, that we will be at the level of the match. Our goal in games like this is to get what we need and to continue to progress - explained Mijović.
In the first match, played in Podgorica, Partizan won convincingly (80:60).
- We have a game coming up that, if we approach it the right way, we can gain a lot from. There's no need to talk much about Partizan, we know what kind of team they have - a team that has ambitions for the very top of the competition in the Euroleague as well - says SC Derbija basketball player Andrija Grbović.
Motivation is at its peak.
- I think the most important thing now is to show responsibility and focus in one-on-one defense. There is no lack of motivation for this match, it is important that we enter bravely and decisively and try to implement the things we have been preparing for the past few days - concluded Grbović.
Partizan enters this match after losing to Red Star Belgrade (73:71) in the Euroleague "eternal derby".
- The training served for recovery and watching footage as part of preparing some tactical matters for the match, which we enter with maximum respect for the opponent. It remains to be seen what condition the sick and injured players will be in, but that does not diminish the obligation to give our best - Željko Obradović emphasized.
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