Partizan attacks an unconquerable fortress at the end of 2025

This will be the fifth meeting between the two teams in the EuroLeague, with the host preparing for a special evening to close out the year at the Roig Arena, where they will try to maintain their unbeaten home record in front of fans in their new arena. They have won all their games there in the ACB League and EuroLeague, with the sole exception of a match played without spectators against Hapoel.

The game will also mark the return of Joan Peñarroya to Spain and Valencia, as he will lead his second EuroLeague game on the bench of the Serbian team after taking over Partizan following Željko Obradović’s departure.

The match comes at a crucial moment for both teams. Valencia is very strong at home and firmly positioned at the top of the EuroLeague standings (2nd place, 12–6) and aims to extend its excellent run of results.

On the other side is Partizan, a team in a reconstruction phase but with new assets for a competitive fight. The arrival of Cameron Payne has brought a more dynamic offensive game, and he will be the main focus in the match against Valencia.

Sofascore

The American point guard, a former NBA player, will play his second EuroLeague game for Partizan, following a highly impressive debut in the ABA League. Payne comes off a 24-point performance against Split, with an outstanding shooting night from beyond the arc, making eight of 12 attempts from the 6.75-meter line.

Partizan’s point guard Cameron Payne believes his team will make a strong impression.

“We need to watch the footage and see how we can stop them. The most important thing is to keep playing together, because that will give us a good chance in tomorrow’s game,” said Payne, the latest addition to the Black-and-Whites.

This will also mark Partizan’s return to Valencia after incidents occurred during their last game at La Fonteta, when riots broke out in the stands involving Serbian fans.

The Serbian team conceded 109 and 112 points in their last two games, so new coach Peñarroya will focus on defensive improvements to slow down Valencia, who are fourth in the league in points scored (89.6 points per game) and have won seven consecutive home games.

Valencia leads the EuroLeague in three-pointers made (12.4 per game), so Partizan must tighten its defense, which is currently the worst in the league.

“Valencia is a strong team with an excellent coach, so it’s no surprise they achieve these results. They play at a high pace, generate many possessions, and take a lot of three-point shots. On top of that, they have talented players who can attack off the dribble, hit a three-pointer, or deliver the right pass at the right moment. For us, the most important thing will be to try to control their transition and limit easy fast-break points,” said Peñarroya, a former coach of Valencia.

KK Partizan

The hosts will rely on the creativity of Joan Montero, who recorded 16 points and 4 assists in last week’s victory over Baskonia, while Partizan will need contributions from newcomer Payne, who must continue his strong shooting after scoring 15 points in his debut.

Valencia (12–6) aims to maintain a share of second place in the standings with a win over Partizan (6–12), who urgently need a reaction and a triumph to give them momentum for the new 2026 year after a series of tough losses.

Although Partizan is not in enviable form, Valencia coach Pedro Martínez notes that Joan Peñarroya’s team deserves full respect.

“The EuroLeague is an extremely demanding competition. We are playing well, but it is difficult to win every game, and I don’t think Tuesday will be any different. Partizan is a team with an impressive roster. The names of their players, their quality—it’s clear they are not having a good season at the moment, but I am completely confident that with Joan Peñarroya, they will change the dynamics and improve. I just hope it won’t be on Tuesday, but if not, it will be soon, because they have a lot of quality, and I am sure Joan will make the right moves,” said the Valencia coach.

Eduardo Ripoll Vidal / Alamy / Profimedia