Monaco’s winning run came to a dramatic halt on the evening of Tuesday, January 21 as the Roca Team suffered a painful overtime defeat to Red Star Belgrade, going down 100–96 after surrendering control late in regulation.
It was a night of wild momentum swings at the Gaston Médecin arena. Monaco looked out of sorts early, struggling to match Red Star’s intensity and physical edge. The Serbian side raced into the lead and opened up an 18-point advantage in the second quarter, punishing turnovers and dictating the tempo with authority.
Backed by a vocal travelling contingent and led by a disciplined game plan, Red Star appeared firmly in control as the first half unfolded. Monaco, meanwhile, found it difficult to impose their rhythm and went into the break trailing 50–44, relieved to have limited the damage after a difficult opening stretch.
The complexion of the game changed after the interval. The Roca Team emerged with renewed energy, tightening up defensively and moving the ball with greater purpose. Led by the aggression of Alpha Diallo, the composure of Mike James and a growing presence inside from Kevarrius Hayes, Monaco steadily clawed their way back.
By the end of the third quarter, the hosts had flipped the script entirely, edging ahead 71–68 and igniting the Gaston Médecin crowd. The momentum carried into the final period, where Monaco pushed their advantage to double digits with just over four minutes remaining, appearing well on course for another statement victory.
But Red Star, coached by former Monaco boss Saša Obradović, refused to fold. The visitors regrouped, capitalised on key Monaco errors and chipped away at the deficit possession by possession. A late offensive rebound and clutch execution in the final seconds allowed the Belgrade side to force the game into overtime, silencing the arena.
In the extra period, Red Star proved sharper and more composed. Two timely three-pointers gave them immediate breathing room, while Monaco struggled to convert under pressure. Despite one final push, the Roca Team could not recover, seeing their six-game EuroLeague winning streak come to an abrupt end.
Speaking after the game, Monaco coach Vassilis Spanoulis acknowledged missed opportunities. “We didn’t play our game in the first half and paid for it,” he said. “We showed great character to come back, but small mistakes at the end cost us. We have to move on quickly and focus on the next challenge.”
Red Star coach Saša Obradović praised his side’s resilience. “We controlled the first half well, suffered in the second, but found the solutions when it mattered,” he said. “Winning in Monaco is never easy. This gives us confidence.”
For Monaco, the loss is a reminder of the fine margins at the highest level. Attention now turns to a daunting trip to Madrid, where the Roca Team will look to respond quickly against elite opposition in the EuroLeague. For Red Star Belgrade, the victory confirms their growing momentum and playoff credentials.
