Panathinaikos defeats AEK 78-56 in Rhodes basketball friendly

On Friday, September 11, 2026, Panathinaikos secured a 78-56 victory against AEK in a friendly basketball match held at the Kallithea indoor arena in Rhodes, as part of the 2nd International Tournament Rhodes 2026. The game served as a preseason test for both teams to integrate new signings and evaluate players in the absence of several key roster members.

Despite numerous absences for both squads, Panathinaikos demonstrated the tactical philosophy of coach Zeljko Obradovic, utilizing high-intensity defense to force AEK into multiple turnovers. Key contributors for the winners included new acquisitions Sylvain Francisco, Guerschon Yabusele, Branko Badio, and Isaac Bonga. Panathinaikos played without Kendrick Nunn, Nikos Rogkavopoulos, Nigel Hayes-Davis, Kostas Sloukas, Giannis Kouzeloglou, and Moustapha Fall. AEK, which faced difficulties throughout the match, was missing Dimitris Fliionis, Derrick Williams, Greg Brown, and Kyshawn George.

Beyond the court performance, the event was marked by friction within the AEK fanbase. Supporters expressed significant dissatisfaction with club owner Makis Angelopoulos, protesting his decision to lease the SUNEL Arena to Olympiacos by displaying critical banners and exiting the arena during the game.