The Roca Team had a complicated evening on Olympiakos’ court. For this first leg of the Euroleague playoffs, Monaco was heavily defeated in Greece (91-70) against a much more intense and realistic Pirée team. In a heated atmosphere, the Monégasques held out for a long time before giving in during the second half and then collapsing after the break.
Monaco had started well
This Game 1 was particularly anticipated. Monaco, ambitious this season on the European stage, hoped to make a strong impact away and seize the home-court advantage. But against the experience of Olympiakos, accustomed to major continental battles, the mission quickly became complicated.
The beginning of the match, however, hinted at a balanced opposition. The Roca Team started seriously and opened the score to take the lead (0-2). Monaco showed good offensive intentions with a fast and aggressive game towards the hoop. But the Greeks immediately responded with their outside shooting and interior power.
The Roca Team swept away by Olympiakos
The first quarter was marked by constant swings on the scoreboard. Monaco still led 4-6 then 4-9, showing a nice aggression in the early minutes. The gap even stretched to +5 for the visitors, suggesting that the team from the Principality could create a surprise.
But Olympiakos never panicked. Driven by their incandescent crowd at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, the Greeks gradually found their rhythm. Their defense became tougher, significantly hindering Monaco’s initiatives. The turnovers by the Roca Team started accumulating, and the locals took advantage to quickly come back.
At 17-16, Olympiakos took the lead permanently for the first time. Monaco stayed close thanks to some well-negotiated individual actions, but the Greek collective already seemed better oiled.
The turning point before the break
The second quarter marked a first turning point in this encounter. Olympiakos imposed a much more intense rhythm, especially in defense. Monaco struggled in offensive creation, multiplying forced shots at the end of possessions.
Greek domination then intensified. Offensive rebounds offered many second chances to the locals while the Roca Team struggled to contain rapid opponent attacks. At the break, Monaco was already facing a significant deficit and seemed to lack solutions.
Olympiakos accelerates after the break
Returning from the locker room, the men from the Principality hoped to reverse the dynamic. But Olympiakos quickly dashed Monaco’s hopes. More aggressive in all areas of the game, the Greeks accelerated from the first possessions of the third quarter.
The gap then soared beyond fifteen points. Monaco attempted several tactical adjustments, without real success. Defensively, the Roca Team suffered against the Greek ball movement and Olympiakos‘s outside shooting, particularly clinical from beyond the arc.
Offensively, Monaco’s leaders were too discreet. Unable to string together crucial baskets at key moments, Monaco saw their opponent gain full confidence.
A one-sided end to the match
The last quarter turned into a demonstration. Supported by their crowd, Olympiakos continued to push while Monaco seemed resigned. The Greeks managed their lead perfectly while continuing to punish any opposing mistake.
The final score of 91-70 perfectly illustrates Olympiakos‘s dominance in this first round. Monaco leaves Pirée with numerous questions before the second game.
Monaco already under pressure
For the Roca Team, the challenge will now be to react quickly. In a best-of-five series, all is not lost, but they will need to present a completely different image to hope to revive the suspense.
Monaco will need to regain more defensive solidity and limit turnovers. Offensive efficiency will also be a key area if the players from the Principality want to compete with a Greek team brimming with confidence.
On their part, Olympiakos confirms its status as the favorite in this series. Experienced, mentally solid, and formidable at home, the Greeks have sent a strong message to their European competitors.
The next round already promises to be decisive for the Roca Team, which no longer really has the right to make mistakes if they wish to continue their European dream.
