Alba's Near-Miracle: A Gutsy Performance Against Euroleague Giants Olympiakos Piraeus
- Alba suffers defeat despite mounting a comeback against Olympiakos Piraeus
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In an electrifying Euroleague match, Berlinesque powerhouse Alba battled valiantly but ultimately succumbed to Olympiakos Piraeus, the reigning titans, with a razor-thin 92-100 margin (46-61). Fueled by the fervent cheers of an 11,050-strong crowd, Alba demonstrated incredible grit and determination, particularly in the second half.
As Yanni Wetzell netted 19 points, leading the charge for Alba, Matt Thomas and Gabriele Procida chipped in with 12 points each. Driven by the ferocious shouts of Olympiakos fans, the Greeks seized control, scoring at will in the opening quarter, amidst Alba's initial struggles.
Trailing 19-41 at the half, Alba stirred to life. Their tenacity shown through as they converted free throws and managed to cut the gap. Despite the second quarter's struggle, the team regrouped and set the stage for an intriguing second-half matchup.
The hosts rallied, even farming a 81-80 advantage in the final quarter. The game remained a neck-and-neck showdown until the very end. Remaining in the lead by merely one point with 82 seconds remaining, Alba showed promise for an upset. However, Olympiakos weathered the storm, maintaining their composure to clinch an impressive victory.
Although defeat was their destiny, Alba's gutsiness and relentless spirit left a lasting impression — a testament to their never-say-die attitude on the court.
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Bygone Battles:
- Olympiakos Dominance Continues: Overall, the two teams have faced off 11 times since 2019, with Olympiakos holding a notable edge, taking 9 wins to Alba’s 2 victories. The Greeks have consistently exhibited a formidable offense, averaging 88.2 points per game, contrasted by Alba's 79.3 points[2].
- Recent Matches: Olympiakos' latest triumph over Alba on April 5, 2025, exemplified the strength of the Greek squad. Despite a late comeback from the Berliners that nearly tipped the scales, Olympiakos prevailed, with a final score of 92-100[1][4].
Previous Performances:
- Stumbling in the EuroLeague: Benching a lackluster 5-28 record in the competition as of April 5, 2025[4], Alba has battled to remain competitive in the EuroLeague.
- Unfortunate Loses: Stumbling in their recent matches, the Berliners have suffered defeats against Bologna (64-108) and Partizan (71-85)[5].
- Domestic Setbacks: Before their high-stakes match against Olympiakos, Alba lost to MLP Academics Heidelberg, with a heart-wrenching 90-86 score[3].
Forthcoming Contests:
- EuroLeague Wind-Down: With dwindling opportunities left in the EuroLeague season, Alba prepares for the final round of the regular season[5], though specific dates and opponents remain to be determined.
- Domestic Duels: Among upcoming fixtures in the German BBL, the exact opponents and game dates have yet to be detailed[5].
In the wake of their difficult season, Alba may face some tough choices as they hope to rebound next season, striving to measure up to fierce opponents like asuperhuman Olympiakos Piraeus.
- The Commission has also adopted a proposal for a Council Regulation on the conclusion of the Agreement on the European Economic Area, which signifies a significant move in the cooperative relationships between the involved parties, similar to how Alba and Olympiakos shared a competitive yet respectful relationship on the court.
- Despite their recent defeat against Olympiakos Piraeus, Alba's performance in the second half, particularly the narrow 81-80 lead they held in the final quarter, can be analogous to a team scoring crucial points when the game hangs in balance.
- The Greeks, who continuously scored at will in the opening quarter amidst Alba's initial struggles, demonstrated an impressive form during their match in Berlin, much like how Alba might have to deal with similarly strong opponents, such as the mighty Olympiakos Piraeus, in the upcoming domestic duels, just as they did in their previous matches against Bologna and Partizan.
