Panathinaikos vs Valencia (EuroLeague) – Match Report: May 9, 2026
In a thrilling EuroLeague contest at the OAKA Altion Arena, Valencia Basket edged out Panathinaikos 89–86 in a game that swung back and forth until the final buzzer. The visitors improved their play‑off hopes with a gritty performance, while the Greens suffered a narrow defeat on home soil in front of a passionate Athenian crowd.
Match Overview
Both teams came into the fixture knowing that every possession mattered in the tightly‑packed EuroLeague standings. Panathinaikos opened with intensity, led by their veteran backcourt, but Valencia’s disciplined defence and timely three‑point shooting kept the score close throughout. The first half ended 46–44 in favour of the hosts, setting up a dramatic second half.
Key Moments
- Third‑quarter surge: Valencia outscored Panathinaikos 25–18 in the third period, turning a two‑point deficit into a five‑point lead. Guard Chris Jones was instrumental, scoring 10 points in the quarter.
- Clutch free‑throw shooting: With 12 seconds left and Valencia up by one, forward Semi Ojeleye calmly sank two free throws to make it 89–86, putting the game out of reach.
- Panathinaikos’s last‑gasp attempt: On the final possession, Panathinaikos’s Mathias Lessort missed a contested three‑point attempt, sealing the win for the visitors.
Standout Players
Valencia’s Chris Jones poured in a game‑high 22 points on 8‑of‑14 shooting, adding 5 assists. For Panathinaikos, Kendrick Nunn finished with 19 points and 4 rebounds, but struggled from beyond the arc (1‑of‑5). In the paint, Mathias Lessort recorded a double‑double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Tactical Story
Valencia’s ability to switch defensive schemes kept Panathinaikos off balance. Coach Alex Mumbrú’s side forced 14 turnovers and turned them into 18 points. The Greens, meanwhile, dominated the offensive glass (13 offensive rebounds) but shot only 28% from three‑point range, a decisive factor in the final margin.
Season Impact
With this win, Valencia improved to a 16‑12 record, strengthening their play‑in position. Panathinaikos dropped to 15‑13, remaining in the middle of the pack but now facing increased pressure ahead of a road trip to Real Madrid. The EuroLeague standings remain as competitive as ever.

