Fenerbahce Beko defeat Panathinaikos to reach EuroLeague final

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MAY 23, 2025: Fenerbahce Beko advanced to the final of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after defeating Greek side Panathinaikos AKTOR 82–76 in the first semifinal game on Friday. The Turkish team displayed a strong performance throughout the match held in Abu Dhabi, securing their spot in the final of Europe's top-tier basketball competition. The Turkish side started strong in the paint and took an early 13-5 lead within the first four minutes. With solid defensive efforts, Fenerbahce extended their lead to double digits and closed the first quarter 22-13. Three-pointers from Nigel Hayes-Davis and Tarik Biberovic gave Fenerbahce a 12-point advantage early in the second quarter, but Panathinaikos narrowed the gap by halftime to 38-33, capitalizing on Fenerbahce’s drop in offensive rhythm. Both teams struggled offensively in the third quarter, but Fenerbahce regained momentum with contributions from Nicolo Melli and Marko Guduric, entering the final period with a 55-48 lead. Melli’s three-pointer in the early minutes of the fourth quarter restored a double-digit cushion for Fenerbahce. Although Panathinaikos responded through Cedi Osman’s scoring efforts, reducing the deficit to 5 points with three minutes left, Fenerbahce held firm in the final stretch. Key plays by Carsen Edwards and Nate Sestina helped the Turkish team secure the 82-76 win. Fenerbahce Beko, reaching the EuroLeague final for the fourth time in club history, will face the winner of the Olympiakos-Monaco semifinal on Sunday, May 25. (Writing by Berkay Gür - Footage by Ali Haydar Akkuş/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)