Lisbon’s Benfica suffered a significant 90-74 home defeat to Serbian side Spartak Subotica on Wednesday, marking their second loss in the Basketball Champions League Group H and placing them at the bottom of the standings.
The defeat underscores Benfica’s struggles in the European competition, coming after a performance dominated by the visitors’ offensive power and defensive tenacity. Spartak Subotica quickly established an early lead that Benfica consistently failed to overcome.
The Serbian team opened the scoring with an 8-point advantage, reaching 18-10. This prompted Benfica to increase its defensive pressure, which saw some improvement with the entry of player Aaron Broussard.
Despite adjustments, Spartak maintained control, ending the first period ahead 23-18. They continued to assert their dominance until halftime, demonstrating superior field goal efficiency and offensive capabilities, while Benfica struggled with three-point shooting.
Spartak went into the break with a commanding 48-35 lead. They extended this advantage to 50-35 at the start of the second half before Benfica briefly rallied with a 10-0 run, fueled by successful outside shots, to narrow the deficit.
However, this period of resurgence was short-lived. Spartak quickly reasserted its dominance, entering the fourth quarter with a clear 72-59 lead.
Benfica made a final push, reducing the gap to six points at 74-68, but the Serbian team held firm in the closing minutes, securing the decisive victory.
In another Group H fixture, Spain’s Gran Canaria defeated France’s Le Mans 73-68. These results position Gran Canaria and Spartak Subotica at the top of the group, each with 4 points. Le Mans and Benfica both have 2 points, with Benfica at the bottom due to point differential.