Dubai Basketball lost 77–58 to Crvena Zvezda at Coca-Cola Arena on Thursday, October 8, handing the Dubai club its first defeat of the 2026/27 EuroLeague season after a difficult performance at both ends of the court.
The result ended Dubai Basketball’s unbeaten start in Europe’s premier club basketball competition and gave the Serbian visitors a second consecutive EuroLeague victory. The home side led after the opening quarter but could not sustain its early momentum as Crvena Zvezda took control of the contest.
Dubai began with purpose, moving into an early lead through Dwayne Bacon and Tornike Shengelia. The hosts finished the first quarter ahead 21–16, offering their supporters reason to expect a competitive night.
The game changed in the second period. Crvena Zvezda tightened its defence, disrupted Dubai’s offensive rhythm and produced a 13–2 run to turn the deficit into an advantage. The visitors went into half-time leading 37–31.
Dubai struggled to reverse that momentum after the break. Crvena Zvezda extended its lead during the third quarter and maintained control through the final period, eventually securing a 19-point win.
Shooting problems undermine Dubai’s comeback
Dubai’s difficulty converting scoring opportunities was central to the defeat. According to the match statistics published by Gulf News, the hosts made 20 of 61 field-goal attempts, compared with 29 successful shots from 66 attempts for Crvena Zvezda.
The difference was particularly apparent from three-point range. Dubai converted five of 22 attempts, while the Serbian side made eight of 30. Although neither team was especially accurate from beyond the arc, Crvena Zvezda produced more successful shots overall.
The visitors also won the rebounding battle, collecting 41 rebounds against Dubai’s 36. That advantage helped Crvena Zvezda maintain pressure and limited the home team’s opportunities to build a sustained response.
Bacon finished as Dubai’s leading scorer with 13 points, alongside three rebounds and four assists. Shengelia contributed 12 points and four rebounds.
For Crvena Zvezda, Jordan Nwora led all scorers with 20 points and six rebounds. Semi Ojeleye added 12 points and seven rebounds, giving the visitors further scoring support.
Xavi Pascual calls for a response
Dubai head coach Xavi Pascual was critical of his team’s performance after the game, pointing to defensive shortcomings, limited ball movement and a lack of energy.
The coach’s assessment reflected a contest in which Dubai’s promising opening was followed by prolonged difficulties creating effective scoring opportunities. The team was unable to regain control after Crvena Zvezda’s second-quarter surge.
For Dubai, the immediate task is to address those issues without allowing one poor performance to define its wider campaign. The club entered the match following victories over Real Madrid and Barcelona in its opening two EuroLeague rounds, before losing to Fenerbahçe in Round 3.
The latest result therefore marks the team’s first EuroLeague defeat, rather than its first loss across every competition this season.
Dubai Basketball turn attention to upcoming fixtures
Dubai’s schedule now requires the squad to switch between European and regional competition. The club’s published post-match update identified an away game against U-BT Cluj-Napoca in the ABA League as its next assignment, followed by EuroLeague fixtures against Kosner Baskonia and EA7 Milano.
The response in those games will offer an early indication of how quickly Pascual’s team can correct the problems exposed against Crvena Zvezda.
Dubai Basketball won the 2025/26 ABA League championship, establishing itself as a leading team in the regional competition. Its second EuroLeague campaign brings a different challenge, with regular games against established European clubs and little time between fixtures to recover from setbacks.
The 77–58 loss does not decide the season, but it gives Dubai a clear set of problems to address: more efficient shooting, stronger defensive execution and better control of the game when opponents build momentum.
1. What was the score between Dubai Basketball and Crvena Zvezda?
Crvena Zvezda defeated Dubai Basketball 77–58 in the fourth round of the 2026/27 EuroLeague on October 8, 2026.
2. Where was the Dubai Basketball match played?
The game took place at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, where Dubai Basketball played at home.
3. Was this Dubai Basketball’s first defeat of the season?
It was the club’s first defeat in the 2026/27 EuroLeague campaign. It should not be described as the team’s first loss across all competitions without checking its complete results.
4. Who was Dubai Basketball’s top scorer?
Dwayne Bacon led Dubai Basketball with 13 points. Tornike Shengelia added 12 points.
5. Who was the top scorer in the match?
Crvena Zvezda’s Jordan Nwora was the game’s leading scorer with 20 points and six rebounds.
6. Why did Dubai Basketball lose?
Dubai struggled with shooting efficiency and maintaining its defensive performance. Crvena Zvezda took control in the second quarter and finished with more field goals and rebounds.
7. Who coaches Dubai Basketball?
Xavi Pascual is the head coach of Dubai Basketball. He criticised the team’s defensive performance and ball movement following the defeat.
8. Who are Dubai Basketball’s next opponents?
The club’s post-match update listed U-BT Cluj-Napoca in the ABA League, followed by EuroLeague matches against Kosner Baskonia and EA7 Milano. Check the club’s official fixture list for the latest dates and tip-off times.
