Club Friendly: Crvena Zvezda vs Aris 18/09/2026

After a heavy defeat last week, Crvena zvezda are expected to respond much more seriously and with greater motivation in front of their home crowd, so I anticipate a significantly improved performance and a win for the red-and-whites.

Handicap Betting

Crvena zvezda and Aris will play a dress rehearsal ahead of the start of the new season.

Both teams have undergone significant roster changes compared to last season, so they will certainly need some time to adapt and build chemistry. Less than a week ago, these two sides met in Crete, where the Greek team delivered a dominant performance and won convincingly 98–74. Zvezda played a very poor defensive game and were outplayed in almost every aspect. Although results in preseason games do not necessarily carry much weight, it is clear that new head coach Ibon Navarro will need time to implement his system, which brought results and trophies during his tenure at Unicaja.

Zvezda have assembled a fairly respectable squad even by EuroLeague standards, but this group of players will need to work hard for their talent to fully come to the surface. Given that this is a dress rehearsal and that they will be playing in front of their home fans this time, I expect a much more motivated and competitive approach from the red-and-whites.

Aris are undoubtedly a quality team with high ambitions for the upcoming season as well, but I expect them to face a much better-prepared Zvezda than last week. The home side will have extra motivation to make up for their previous performance, so I believe Crvena zvezda will come out of this game as winners.