After a major roster overhaul, Partizan Mozzart Bet has found its playing rhythm and strengthened the connection between players and the coaching staff in the new season. Following two consecutive losses to Baskonia and Real Madrid at the start of the season, Partizan Mozzart Bet bounced back yesterday with an 86:78 victory over Bayern Munich.
The tension was palpable even before the game began. Every one of the 20,000 fans in attendance hoped for a win, but the odds were tough. The Serbian team entered the match after back-to-back defeats, and their opponent, Bayern Munich, posed a serious challenge.
Bayern’s main strategic upgrade came in their coaching staff. The experienced Gordon Herbert took over as head coach of the Munich club this summer and is undoubtedly at the peak of his career. Earlier this year, Herbert stepped down as head coach of the German national team, a position he held for three years.
During his tenure, he led Germany to a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2022 and secured gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The Serbians still remember that World Cup game where they fell just six points short.
Herbert entered the game well-prepared, familiar not only with the Serbian basketball style but also with Partizan Mozzart Bet’s players. For instance, Isaac Bonga had previously played under Herbert with the German national team. The Partizan Mozzart Bet forward also has strong ties to the opposing side, as a former Bayern player who celebrated the Bundesliga title with them last year. These connections added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup against Germany’s top club.
From the opening moments of the game, the fans unleashed powerful support for their home team, creating a deafening atmosphere. It was so loud that it became impossible to hear oneself think.
At first, the game wasn’t easy for Partizan Mozzart Bet, with the German side applying heavy pressure and breaking through the black-and-whites’ defense. However, Partizan Mozzart Bet managed to find their rhythm, pulling ahead and maintaining control for most of the game. Yet, with less than two minutes remaining, Bayern began to mount a comeback, narrowing the lead amid the loud whistles of Partizan Mozzart Bet fans.
In the final moments, both teams took multiple timeouts to adjust their strategies. In the end, Partizan Mozzart Bet held off the visitors and managed to preserve a narrow but decisive lead.
Foto: Maxim Konankov
