The Euroleague playoffs delivered high-stakes drama on Friday, May 8, as two quarterfinal matchups determined the landscape of the Final Four. The evening's action confirmed three of the four teams that will compete for the continental championship.
In a thrilling overtime contest, Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe edged Lithuanian side Žalgiris with a final score of 94-90. This victory was decisive, giving Fenerbahçe a commanding 3-1 series lead and officially punching their ticket to the Final Four. The reigning Euroleague champions demonstrated their resilience in the extra period to secure the crucial win.
The second game of the night saw Greek club Panathinaikos host Spanish team Valencia. In a tightly contested battle, Valencia emerged victorious with an 86-89 win. This result leveled the best-of-five series at 2-2, forcing a winner-take-all fifth game to decide who advances.
With these results, the Euroleague Final Four now has three confirmed participants. Joining Fenerbahçe are Olympiacos, the winners of the regular season, and Spanish giant Real Madrid. These three clubs have earned their place among Europe's elite.
The final spot in the Final Four will be determined by the decisive Game 5 between Panathinaikos and Valencia. This pivotal matchup is scheduled to take place in Spain on May 12. The winner will complete the semifinal bracket and set the stage for the championship tournament.
The 2025/2026 Euroleague season is reaching its climax, with the Final Four representing the ultimate goal for every participating club. Fenerbahçe's overtime triumph and Valencia's road victory have added new layers of excitement to the playoff picture.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.