Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we have our 41st winner in this season's EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge! Aleksandar Stojanovic beat everyone else in Game 5 of the EuroLeague Playoffs with his team 'kraza3', which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 168.65.

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge Playoffs Game 5 winner

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague fans, we have our 41st winner in this season's [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/)! Aleksandar Stojanovic beat everyone else in Game 5 of the EuroLeague Playoffs with his team 'kraza3', which had a Fantasy Challenge score of 168.65.

Aleksandar had the following starting lineup: Mike James of AS Monaco as team captain, then Elijah Bryant of Anadolu Efes Istanbul, Kevin Punter and Willy Hernangomez of FC Barcelona, and Cedi Osman of Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens. His sixth man was Jerian Grant of Panathinaikos. The rest of the bench consisted of Barcelona's Joel Parra, Youssoupha Fall and Justin Anderson, as well as Rolands Smits of Efes. His team's head coach was Panathinaikos play-caller Ergin Ataman.

The prize for finishing first in this round is a free VIP Euroleague TV subscription for the 2025-26 season, so congratulations, Aleksandar!

Marko Djukic and his team 'Kughat' remains the leader of the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/) overall standings with 6,911.79 points.

Trades are now open for the 42nd round of the [EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/), which is Final Four semifinals, and there are an unlimited number of trades.

The first game at the Final Four tips off on Friday, May 23 at 17:00 CEST as Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens faces Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, marking the next round's deadline.

Make new teams now or improve your existing ones and try to become our next round winner!

EuroLeague Fantasy Challenge offers weekly prizes to the top team manager. 

Panathinaikos BC subdued Anadolu Efes 75-67 in a decisive Game 5 and their victory was akin to a Hollywood script as Efes was undone by its compatriots Cedi Osman and Ergin Ataman, who came back to haunt their former club.

Turkish delight for Panathinaikos as champs landed knockout blow against Efes

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) is in dreamland as the reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champs returned to the Final Four after [subduing Anadolu Efes Istanbul 3-2](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/panathinaikos-downs-efes-in-game-5-75-67-to-reach-final-four/) in a captivating playoff series which went down to the wire.

The Greek giant subdued its Turkish rival, 75-67, in a decisive Game 5 and their victory was akin to a Hollywood script as Efes was undone by its compatriots [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/) and [Ergin Ataman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/ataman-ergin/), who came back to haunt their former club.

Osman produced his best performance of the season as he racked up a career-high 28 points to go with 8 boards, delighting Coach Ataman, who guided Efes to successive EuroLeague titles in 2021 and 2022 before he took over the Greens in the summer of 2023.

Having won Europe’s premier club competition in his first season at Panathinaikos, Ataman will lead his troops to the 2025 showpiece event in Abu Dhabi confident of claiming his fourth title in five seasons after last year’s triumph in Berlin.

Osman, in turn, brought his wealth of NBA experience as he moved from the San Antonio Spurs to Panathinaikos during the last off-season after a seven-year stint overseas, saving his best for last to inflict a tough loss on his boyhood club where he started his illustrious career in 2011.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The ultimate locker room welcome! <a href="https://twitter.com/cediosman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cediosman</a> walked in dry… that didn’t last long! 😅<br><br>Watch full on CLUB 1908: <a href="https://t.co/O0jvBD37wn">https://t.co/O0jvBD37wn</a> 📲<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveTheGreenMagic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveTheGreenMagic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Club1908?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Club1908</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneClubOneApp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneClubOneApp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToAbuDhabi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToAbuDhabi</a> <a href="https://t.co/3KytaxnapT">pic.twitter.com/3KytaxnapT</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1919881970789576939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Barely holding back the tears in a post-game interview, Osman revealed just how much he was touched by the support of Panathinaikos fans who will be heading to Abu Dhabi in droves for the semifinal clash with Efes’s bitter domestic rivals [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) and a potential all-Greek final against eternal foes [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/).    

“From the beginning of the season, we aimed to have home-court advantage, that was our goal. We brought the series back to Athens and although we could have finished the job in \[Game 4 in Istanbul\], it’s even sweeter when you qualify for the Final Four in front of your own fans. I am really proud of my guys and the way they did the job today,” Osman said.

“This team is full of great characters and we are back where we belong. Now we move on after getting some time to rest. The fans were amazing tonight and when I heard them chanting my name I was very emotional as I live for moments like this.”

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens forward Cedi Osman spoke to EuroLeague TV after his team beat Anadolu Efes Istanbul in Game 5 of the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs to reach the Final Four.

Cedi Osman: 'When I heard them chant my name, I was emotional'

Ataman was all smiles and heaped praise on his former club after emotions had boiled over in Game 4, when the Turkish tactician walked out following a spat with the home Efes fans who jibed and taunted him in the closing stages of an 85-82 defeat which forced Game 5.

“I want to congratulate Efes as they pushed us to the limit. They played amazing defense throughout the series and they never gave up. Tonight we were up by 23 points but they came back into the game with some great hustle,” he said.

“We didn’t play good basketball tonight but Cedi Osman came up with his best performance of the season and congrats to him. We also played good defense on [Shane Larkin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/shane-larkin/007200/) and we are back in the Final Four. Two games to the title, now is the moment to take some time off and enjoy.”

OAKA erupts | Panathinaikos clinches Final Four spot in front of home fans

Efes head coach [Luca Banchi](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/banchi-luca/?season=E2024) was able to walk off the court with his pride intact, although he rued what he saw as a missed opportunity to stage a major upset.

The Turkish team defied the odd to reach the playoffs on the back of eight successive wins in the regular season’s home straight and then matched Panathinaikos in every department of the opening four games of the series.

However, Banchi’s men fell short and looked devoid of energy when the chips were down, although they launched a valiant fightback after trailing by 23 points midway through the second quarter.

“Many regrets, as in a do-or-die game you have to be disciplined and inspired and this certainly wasn’t our best night,” the Italian tactician said. “Poor percentages from the field and the foul line, but the last 25 minutes showed that we have the mental consistency to be a team that deserves to stay on this level.”

Game News

The Turkish side was forced into submission in Game 5 by its compatriots Cedi Osman and Ergin Ataman 

Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens v Anadolu Efes Istanbul (2025-05-06T18:45:00.000Z)

Reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens advanced to the 2025 Final Four in Abu Dhabi after defeating Anadolu Efes Istanbul 75-67 to win their absorbing playoff series 3-2 and earn a shot at winning back-to-back titles.

Panathinaikos downs Efes in Game 5, 75-67, to reach Final Four 

Reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens advanced to the 2025 Final Four in Abu Dhabi after defeating Anadolu Efes Istanbul 75-67 to win their absorbing playoff series 3-2 and earn a shot at winning back-to-back titles.

An effervescent Cedi Osman paced Panathinaikos on 28 points and 8 boards, putting his boyhood club Efes to the sword after an epic clash. Jerian Grant racked up 11 points and 8 rebounds and the regular season’s MVP Kendrick Nunn added 12 points for the hosts despite another poor shooting night.

At the other end, Elijah Bryant netted 16 points and Shane Larkin chipped in with 12 for Efes, but both visiting guards struggled as they combined for 8 of 26 from the floor, with Panathinaikos prevailing in the battle of the boards 50-35.

Game Videos

Panathinaikos raced into an early 10-3 lead but Efes quickly pulled it back to 12-10, setting the stage for a tight contest. What happened next was beyond the home fans’ wildest dreams as the Greens went on a whirlwind 24-3 run to lead 36-13 midway through the second quarter, with Osman unstoppable.

Efes refused to roll over and replied with a 0-13 streak to claw its way back into the game, hitting several deep threes after going seven minutes without a field goal in the wake of the ironclad Panathinaikos defense.

The home team led 41-30 at halftime on the back of 17 points from Osman and 8 from Nunn, who scored all of his first-half points during a brief second quarter spell when he was able to find some breathing space.

Panathinaikos was unable to profit from a barrage of offensive boards as Nunn was held to 4 of 16 from the floor throughout and Kostas Sloukas went 0 of 5, with Efes closing the gap to 47-44 late in the third quarter as the home side’s offense came to a halt.

However, Konstantinos Mitoglou came up with a huge buzzer-beating three at the end of the period to carve out a 53-46 advantage for the Greens ahead of the final 10 minutes, with Efes forced to play catch-up in vain for the remainder of the contest.

Larkin finally made a couple of shots from downtown to give the visitors a glimmer of hope as they slashed the deficit 65-61, but their fightback was vanquished after Grant hit a big shot off the glass to make the score 69-61 in the home straight.

Efes still refused to lie down but there was neither enough time nor gas in the tank for the Turkish outfit to turn the matchup on its head, as jubilant Panathinaikos players, staff and fans kicked off wild celebrations after a well-deserved victory.  

The reigning champs will get a chance to defend their title after overcoming the Turkish team in a titanic tiebreaker

For the first four games of AS Monaco's playoff series against FC Barcelona, Georgios Papagiannis was in street clothes. But in Game 5, he dusted off his cape and came to his team's rescue.

X-Factor Georgios Papagiannis emerged in Game 5 to finish Barcelona off

For the first four games of [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/)'s playoff series against FC Barcelona, [Georgios Papagiannis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/georgios-papagiannis/005844/) was in street clothes. But in Game 5, he dusted off his cape and came to his team's rescue.

The 27-year-old last appeared in a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game back in Round 29, when he played for just 4 minutes against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv, yet coach Vassilis Spanoulis decided that the time was right to name the Greek center on the 12-man roster. 

That said, Papagiannis had to remain patient. He didn't play a single second in the first quarter, but when he did come off the bench he didn't take long to make an impact. However, with Barcelona looking to mount a fourth-quarter comeback, Papagiannis really put his fingerprints on proceedings.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="cs" dir="ltr">🙏 Hαbemus Pαpαgıαnnıs 🇬🇷<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/pl2nWTpmOd">pic.twitter.com/pl2nWTpmOd</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1919839074984087976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A back-and-forth affair saw the guests grab a 65-67 lead thanks to a 0-5 run early in the fourth quarter. Enter Papagiannis, who nailed a triple to put his team back in front. A three-point play by [Willy Hernangomez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/willy-hernangomez/003196/) gave the visitors a 72-74 edge, but [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) tied it up before setting up the Greek big, who slammed home an alley-oop dunk to put Monaco ahead.

In an exchange of blows, [Jabari Parker](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jabari-parker/012745/) responded with a big triple on the other end, but Papagiannis came to the fore once again by drilling another three and scoring inside for an 81-78 lead heading into crunch time.

“Georgios had a very good practice yesterday,” Spanoulis said in the post-game press conference. “It was instinct and my decision to bring him back. I saw yesterday in practice his pick-and-rolls and I thought that he could bring us something new. With the defense that Barcelona plays, I thought that quick dives and pick-and-pops can give us something but Georgios gave more than something today. He gave us a huge performance.”

Papagiannis scored half of Monaco’s 20 fourth-quarter points, when everything was at stake. He finished the game by going 3 for 3 on three-pointers and 4 for 5 from inside the arc. Papagiannis’s season-high 17 points were paired with 5 rebounds and 1 block in arguably his best performance this season for Monaco.

“I was staying ready during the whole series and before the series,” he told EuroLeague TV. “Everybody helped me out from the first until the last one and I was just waiting for my moment to come and it was today. I’m really happy that I’ve made it to my second Final Four in a row.”

James may have led the team on the floor, with Spanoulis’s tactics helping Monaco overcome Barcelona, but had it not been for Papagiannis, the hosts may have not managed to clinch their second Final Four participation in three years.

Most importantly, the Monaco boss will head into a tough semifinal matchup against his former team, Olympiacos Piraeus, knowing that in Papagiannis he has an extra weapon he can rely on – a weapon that has what it takes to step up off the bench when it matters most.

He hadn’t played since Round 29 but recorded a season-high 17 points in the series decider

AS Monaco v FC Barcelona (2025-05-06T17:00:00.000Z)

Panathinaikos BC is officially the third team to advance to the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, joining Fenerbahce Beko, Olympiacos BC and AS Monaco Basket.

Panathinaikos returns to the Final Four to defend its crown

[Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) is the fourth and final team to advance to the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, [joining Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-beko-heads-to-second-final-four-in-a-row/), [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-bc-reaches-final-four-for-fourth-straight-year/) and [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/as-monaco-basket-heads-to-its-second-ever-final-four/).

Like Monaco, Panathinaikos went to five games in its series against Anadolu Efes Istanbul, winning 3-2 after winning Games 1, 3 and 5.

In the EuroLeague Semifinals, Panathinaikos will face Fenerbahce, just like it did in last year's semifinals.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WE ARE SET <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F4GLORY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F4GLORY</a> <a href="https://t.co/A1zGGEBKuh">pic.twitter.com/A1zGGEBKuh</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1919860756146761765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Panathinaikos's Final Four history

Panathinaikos is heading to its eighth Final Four in the modern EuroLeague era after getting to this point in 2002, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2024 and now 2025.

The Greens have reached the EuroLeague Championship Game on five of those occasions (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2024), and it went on to lift the title in each of those years.

### How many EuroLeague titles have Panathinaikos won?

You guessed it! Five in the modern EuroLeague era (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2024), but also two before that in 1996 and 2000. Remember, you can watch an amazing documentary by Euroleague Basketball Originals called ["The 7th Star" for free on EuroLeague TV now](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/watch-the-7th-star-for-free-on-euroleague-tv/), which features exclusive interviews with club owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos, coach Ergin Ataman, [Kostas Sloukas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/kostas-sloukas/001926/), [Mathias Lessort](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mathias-lessort/003842/) and [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/kendrick-nunn/012774/).

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ABU DHABI HERE WE COME! 🔜☘️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeTheGreens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeTheGreens</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paobcaktor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#paobcaktor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveTheGreenMagic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveTheGreenMagic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Club1908?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Club1908</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneClubOneApp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneClubOneApp</a> <a href="https://t.co/QQ85ogrKer">pic.twitter.com/QQ85ogrKer</a></p>&mdash; Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr/status/1919862550411247724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Which Panathinaikos players have won the EuroLeague before?

After hoisting the 2024 EuroLeague title, Panathinaikos brought back most of that championship-winning roster. The only players chasing their first EuroLeague chip are [Lorenzo Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/lorenzo-brown/009622/), [Cedi Osman](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/cedi-osman/004088/), [Wenyen Gabriel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/wenyen-gabriel/013383/) and [Omer Yurtseven](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/omer-yurtseven/005353/).

### Who is heading to their first Final Four?

While Brown, Osman and Gabriel are going to their first Final Four, Yurtseven made it with Fenerbahce in 2015 and 2016, although he did not see any game time.

The reigning champion is aiming to become just the fourth team to go back-to-back in the modern era

AS Monaco sealed its place at the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four spot after defeating FC Barcelona 85-84 in a thrilling back-and-forth Game 5 on Tuesday evening at Salle Gaston Medecin. 

Monaco beats Barcelona, 85-84, to confirm Final Four return

AS Monaco sealed its place at the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four spot after defeating FC Barcelona 85-84 in a thrilling back-and-forth Game 5 on Tuesday evening at Salle Gaston Medecin. 

The visitors started strong and took a 15-19 cushion into the second quarter, but Monaco bounced back and secured a lead that they maintained until the end of the third (65-62). What followed was an exchange of blows in the closing quarter, with the hosts winning the series and booking their return to the Final Four after narrowly missing out last season.

Mike James led all scorers with 20 points and Georgios Papagiannis netted 17 – 10 of which were scored in the final quarter. Alpha Diallo and Matthew Strazel bagged 11 each. For Barcelona, Kevin Punter scored a team-high 19 points, with Justin Anderson and Willy Hernangomez recording 16 apiece. Youssoupha Fall registered a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Tomas Satoransky opened the scoring with a slam off the baseline before five straight points from Anderson gave Barcelona a 2-7 lead. Anderson and Punter nailed back-to-back triples, but Monaco responded with a 6-0 run inspired by Diallo, who tied it at 13-13. Daniel Theis got into foul trouble by committing 2 in the first 6 minutes and the guests made the most of his absence in the paint by getting three consecutive inside scores for a 15-19 lead after 10 minutes.

Elie Okobo completed a three-point play, but Dario Brizuela answered with a one-legged triple off the dribble before a Hernangomez bucket gave Barcelona an 18-24 advantage. Punter and Jaron Blossomgame took over with five points apiece before back-to-back baskets from Okobo put Monaco ahead 32-31. Anderson drained his third triple of the game, but the hosts went on an 8-0 run fueled by James, who made it 40-34 from the line. Then, Blossomgame scored inside and James drilled a pull-up three for a 45-39 cushion at halftime.

James and Theis started the third quarter with back-to-back buckets, but Anderson responded with a three-point play before two straight triples by Satoransky and 4 points from Hernangomez tied things up, 54-54. Yet, Strazel replied with five consecutive points, with Mam Jaiteh scoring inside to restore a 61-56 advantage. Jabari Parker netted his first points of the game and Fall added two to his tally, but Jordan Loyd made a couple of free throws for a 65-62 edge heading into the closing quarter.

A triple from Brizuela was followed by three consecutive buckets from Fall, who put Barcelona ahead 68-71. James took over with two baskets and an alley-oop dish for Georgios Papagiannis, who slammed it home for a 76-74 lead. Parker and Papagiannis exchanged threes before a basket from the latter allowed Monaco to maintain an 81-78 cushion heading into crunch time. Parker replied with a hard-fought layup and Punter buried a midrange jumper that put Barcelona back in front, 81-82. Then, Strazel and James scored inside, but Punter didn’t manage to drill a triple in the last possession, missing the opportunity to send his team to the Final Four.

Mike James and Georgios Papagiannis led the hosts to a hard-fought victory in a back-and-forth thriller

Two years after making its first EuroLeague Final Four appearance, AS Monaco Basket is returning to European basketball's showpiece event, this time in Abu Dhabi.

Monaco heads to its second-ever Final Four

[AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) has become the third team to secure its place at the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four in Abu Dhabi, [joining Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/fenerbahce-beko-heads-to-second-final-four-in-a-row/) and [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/olympiacos-bc-reaches-final-four-for-fourth-straight-year/).

Vassilis Spanoulis's side won its series 3-2 against FC Barcelona after winning Games 1, 2 and 5 at home, having lost Games 3 and 4 at Palau Blaugrana.

In the EuroLeague Semifinals, Monaco will take on Olympiacos in a repeat of their 2023 semifinal matchup.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">✅ 𝟑-𝟐 Series is over! <br><br>The Final Four ticket is ours ! 😤🎫<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/0natVvsKBR">pic.twitter.com/0natVvsKBR</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1919829986711613523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Monaco’s Final Four history

This is just the second time that Monaco has reached the Final Four, having previously done so in 2023 when it was hosted in Kaunas, Lithuania. Despite leading 29-41 against Olympiacos in the semifinals, a 27-2 third quarter saw the momentum completely swing as [the Greek side went on to reach the championship game](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/tae2223-olympiacos-vs-monaco-semifinal-blog/). Monaco did respond, however, by [beating Barcelona in the third-place game](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/news/third-place-game-blog-as-monaco-vs-fc-barcelona/).

Despite being in just its fourth EuroLeague season, Monaco has made the playoffs in each of the last four years.

### How many EuroLeague titles have Monaco won?

None so far, but [Mike James](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mike-james/005985/) and co. will be looking to change that in Abu Dhabi.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">✈️ Abu Dhabi, we&#39;re coming !! 🧭🇲🇨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DagheMunegu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DagheMunegu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/Sv2T3QUmXU">pic.twitter.com/Sv2T3QUmXU</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1919830825312370801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Which Monaco players have won the EuroLeague before?

[Nick Calathes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/nick-calathes/001932/) is one of two Monaco players to have hoisted the EuroLeague trophy, doing so in 2011 with Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens. The other is [Petr Cornelie](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/petr-cornelie/004790/), who became a EuroLeague champion with Real Madrid in 2023. Coach Vassilis Spanoulis, of course, won three EuroLeague titles during his playing days.

### Who is heading to their first Final Four?

Seven Monaco players were on the roster that made it to the 2023 Final Four (James, [Elie Okobo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/elie-okobo/011212/), [Jordan Loyd](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/jordan-loyd/009754/), [Matthew Strazel](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/matthew-strazel/008099/), [Jaron Blossomgame](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/jaron-blossomgame/011231/), [Alpha Diallo](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/alpha-diallo/011226/), [Donatas Motiejunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/donatas-motiejunas/lcz/)), while [Terry Tarpey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/terry-tarpey/012515/), [Juhann Begarin](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/juhann-begarin/008161/), [Vitto Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/vitto-brown/013365/), [Daniel Theis](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/players/daniel-theis/004132/) and [Mam Jaiteh](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/mam-jaiteh/002581/) will play at the Final Four for the first time. Coach Spanoulis, who went to five Final Fours as a player, is going to his first Final Four as a head coach.

In just its fourth season in the EuroLeague, the Monegasque side continues to impress

The playoffs conclude on Tuesday, with four teams battling to join Olympiacos Piraeus and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul at the Final Four. Here’s what to expect from a thrilling pair of Game 5 showdowns.

Game Center: 2025 Playoffs Game 5

## Tuesday, May 6, 2025

### [AS Monaco 85-84 FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/as-monaco-fc-barcelona/E2024/325/)

Monaco sealed its place at the 2025 Final Four spot after defeating Barcelona 85-84 in a thrilling back-and-forth Game 5 on Tuesday evening at Salle Gaston Medecin. Mike James led all scorers with 20 points and Georgios Papagiannis netted 17 – 10 of which were scored in the final quarter. Alpha Diallo and Matthew Strazel bagged 11 each. For Barcelona, Kevin Punter scored a team-high 19 points, with Justin Anderson and Willy Hernangomez recording 16 apiece. Youssoupha Fall registered a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">🇲🇨 𝙄𝙇𝙎 𝙇&#39;𝙊𝙉𝙏 𝙁𝘼𝙄𝙏 🥵🔥<br><br>❤️‍🔥 La <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RocaTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RocaTeam</a> remporte ce game 5️⃣ bouillant face au Barça et se qualifie pour le Final Four ! 💥<br><br>‼️ DAGHEEEEEE 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DagheMunegu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DagheMunegu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryGameMatters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryGameMatters</a> <a href="https://t.co/KBIG5TVg8q">pic.twitter.com/KBIG5TVg8q</a></p>&mdash; AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASMonaco_Basket/status/1919828526707999176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens 75-67 Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/game-center/2024-25/panathinaikos-aktor-athens-anadolu-efes-istanbul/E2024/326/)

Reigning champion Panathinaikos advanced to the 2025 Final Four in Abu Dhabi after defeating Efes 75-67 to win their absorbing playoff series 3-2 and earn a shot at winning back-to-back titles. An effervescent Cedi Osman paced Panathinaikos on 28 points and 8 boards, putting his boyhood club Efes to the sword after an epic clash. Jerian Grant racked up 11 points and 8 rebounds and the regular season’s MVP Kendrick Nunn added 12 points for the hosts despite another poor shooting night. At the other end, Elijah Bryant netted 16 points and Shane Larkin chipped in with 12 for Efes, but both visiting guards struggled as they combined for 8 of 26 from the floor, with Panathinaikos prevailing in the battle of the boards 50-35.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Greens are going to Abu Dhabi! <a href="https://twitter.com/Paobcgr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paobcgr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F4GLORY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F4GLORY</a> <a href="https://t.co/ve5L0MkpuK">pic.twitter.com/ve5L0MkpuK</a></p>&mdash; Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1919859069206089761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Game Center, Game 5: Panathinaikos, Monaco reach the Final Four

The two best words in European basketball: Game 5. Will we see a new normal, with road teams triumphing again, or a return to old ways?

Game 5: A new normal or a return to old ways?

The two best words in European basketball: Game 5. This Tuesday night it’s win or go home time, with the final two spots at the 2025 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four set to be confirmed.

In the early tipoff (19:00 CEST), there’s [AS Monaco](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/as-monaco/mco/) against [FC Barcelona](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fc-barcelona/bar/). Then at 20:45 CEST, [Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/panathinaikos-aktor-athens/pan/) faces [Anadolu Efes Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/anadolu-efes-istanbul/ist/). The winner of each Game 5 will join [Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/fenerbahce-beko-istanbul/ulk/) and [Olympiacos Piraeus](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/euroleague/teams/olympiacos-piraeus/oly/) in Abu Dhabi.

Since the 2008-09 season the EuroLeague has adopted a best-of-five series format, with tonight’s two games being the 22nd and 23rd time that it has gone to five games. It had been one-way traffic in these games for years, however, with the home team going 18-0 in series deciders going into the 2023-24 campaign.

It looked like the pattern was set to continue in the 2024 playoffs, as Panathinaikos defeated Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 81-72 in Game 5 on May 7 to guarantee its place at the Final Four. But one night later, on May 8, everything flipped upside down.

Panathinaikos returns to 2024 Final Four after 12 years away

In a game that went right down to the wire, Fenerbahce escaped from Monaco with a 79-80 victory and in doing so became the first-ever road team to win a Game 5.

Then, a couple of hours later, Olympiacos repeated that same feat by triumphing 59-63 at Barcelona. After 19 straight wins for the home team, two victories in a row for the road club.

Ahead of tonight’s games, Monaco will be eager to learn from last year’s heartbreak against a Barcelona side that has played more Game 5s than anyone else in EuroLeague history (seven). 

But this is a situation Mike James and co. have got used to, having reached Game 5 in all four of the club’s playoff series to date. Barcelona is 4-3 in these situations, while Monaco is 1-2.

At OAKA, Panathinaikos fans will remember the celebrations that followed its Game 5 win over Maccabi last year and have high hopes about doing the same once again. Curiously, the two previous times it hosted a Game 5 came against Maccabi (2012, 2024), and both times it advanced. 

For Efes, its last two Game 5s in Greece did not go to plan as it twice fell to Olympiacos (2013, 2017). That said, the Turkish side is 2-2 all-time in Game 5s and won at home in the two most recent Game 5s it played – against Barcelona in 2019 and Real Madrid in 2021.

Tonight’s two games are going to be packed with high-quality action, heaps of emotion, and tons of drama. Will we see a new normal, with road teams triumphing again, or a return to old ways? We'll find out in a few hours' time.

Two final teams will book their tickets to Abu Dhabi tonight