Can Zalgiris Continue Its Dominance Over Crvena Zvezda? Crvena Zvezda vs Zalgiris Prediction | September 24, 2026
Crvena Zvezda
Zalgiris
The new EuroLeague season begins in Belgrade with an intriguing matchup between two heavily rebuilt teams, as Crvena Zvezda hosts Zalgiris at Belgrade Arena. Both clubs have made significant changes to their rosters during the offseason, while Zalgiris already has competitive games under its belt.
Match Preview
Crvena Zvezda enters the new EuroLeague campaign after a mixed domestic season. In the ABA League, the Serbian side was eliminated by Partizan in the semifinals, while its Serbian SuperLeague campaign also ended at the semifinal stage after a narrow 90-89 defeat to Spartak Subotica. In the EuroLeague, however, Crvena Zvezda finished 10th in the regular season with a 21-17 record and was particularly strong at home, winning 13 of 19 games in Belgrade. Its European campaign ultimately ended in the play-in after a defeat to Barcelona.
Crvena Zvezda also defeated Zalgiris 88-79 in Belgrade last season. That victory ended a difficult run against the Lithuanian side, as it was the Serbian club's first win over Zalgiris in their previous four meetings.
Zalgiris enters the new campaign after another strong EuroLeague season. The Lithuanian side finished fifth in the regular season and reached the playoffs, where it lost its series against Fenerbahce 3-1.
One of the biggest storylines for Zalgiris this season is the return of Jonas Valanciunas to European basketball. The Lithuanian center brings extensive NBA experience and adds another major presence inside ahead of the EuroLeague campaign.
Unlike Crvena Zvezda, Zalgiris has already played two official matches this season. The team won both of its opening LKL games, giving it an advantage in competitive rhythm before the EuroLeague opener.
The head-to-head record also favors Zalgiris. Across the last eight encounters, Zalgiris has lost only once, with that defeat coming in Belgrade last season. In the return fixture in Kaunas, Zalgiris produced a dominant 99-67 victory.
Key Trends
- Zalgiris have lost only one of their last eight meetings with Crvena Zvezda.
- Crvena Zvezda won 88-79 in the teams' last meeting in Belgrade.
- Zalgiris won the return fixture 99-67 in Kaunas last season.
- Crvena Zvezda won 13 of 19 EuroLeague home games last season.
Prediction
This should be a competitive opening-round matchup, particularly with Crvena Zvezda playing in front of its home crowd. The Serbian side was strong at Belgrade Arena last season. However, Zalgiris has two important advantages entering this game. The Lithuanian side already has two official victories this season, while Crvena Zvezda has only played preseason games. That difference in competitive rhythm could be valuable in the opening round. The recent head-to-head record also gives Zalgiris considerable confidence. Although Crvena Zvezda managed to end its losing run against the Lithuanian side in Belgrade last season, Zalgiris has otherwise controlled this matchup in recent years and produced a 32-point victory in the most recent meeting. The home advantage should keep Crvena Zvezda within touching distance, but Zalgiris' early-season rhythm and strong record in this matchup make the visitors the more attractive side with a points cushion. Recommended Bet: Zalgiris +5 Asian Handicap
