Derby of the eternal enemies (basketball)


The Derby of the eternal rivals, also called Mother of all battles, is the name of the basketball local derby in Athens between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. The Greek powerhouses have clashed in three EuroLeague semifinals and have won a combined nine EuroLeague titles since 1996, thus being among the most successful clubs in European basketball history. Their rivalry inside and outside the Greek borders is considered one of the most thrilling in the basketball world.

History

Culture rivalry

The rivalry between the two top Greek clubs can be traced back to some social, cultural and regional differences. Panathinaikos comes from the center of Athens and was considered the classic representative of the old Athenian society and culture. On the other hand, Olympiacos comes from Piraeus and used to represent the middle class of merchants in the port of Piraeus and the world of the working class. However, this kind of clash was much more pronounced in the past, as the class differences between the fanbases have faded out and the social gap that once separated the two sides has closed over the years. Nowadays, both clubs boast fanbases that represent all the social classes.

Basketball rivalry

Panathinaikos is the most successful basketball club in Greece, with Olympiacos being runners-up. The eternal enemies are the most traditional basketball powers as they have been fighting in the top level of the Greek basketball scene longer than any other team.
Their rivalry is highly credited, especially in the 1990s-2000s, when they met each other in several regular season and playoff series, and in some EuroLeague matches which marked their history.
CompetitionPanathinaikosOlympiacos
EuroLeague63
Greek League3812
Greek Cup199
FIBA Intercontinental Cup11
Total6425

Statistics

Head-to-head

Records

Panhellenic Championship (1928−1963)

• Matches won: Panathinaikos 5, Olympiacos 3.

Alpha and A1 Ethniki (since 1963–64)

1 Panathinaikos didn't show up in the match, so Olympiacos were awarded a 2–0 win.

2 Match suspended with 2 minutes remaining in the third quarter due to crowd violence. Panathinaikos were awarded the win with the score standing.

3 Match suspended with 1:03 remaining in the final quarter due to crowd violence. Panathinaikos were awarded a 0–20 win.

4 Match suspended with 1:27 remaining in the final quarter due to crowd violence. Panathinaikos were awarded a 0–20 win.

5 Olympiacos didn't show up in the match, so Panathinaikos were awarded a 0-20 win.

6 Olympiacos didn't show up in the match, so Panathinaikos were awarded a 20-0 win.

7 Olympiacos didn't show up in the match, so Panathinaikos were awarded a 0-20 win.

• Matches won: Panathinaikos 111, Olympiacos 87.

Greek Cup

1 Panathinaikos won the Greek Cup semifinal, after Olympiacos decided to forfeit the game in protest at refereeing decisions.

• Matches won: Panathinaikos 19, Olympiacos 7.

Euroleague

• Matches won: Olympiacos 11, Panathinaikos 6.

Head-to-head ranking

• Total: Panathinaikos 41 times higher, Olympiacos 14 times higher.

Players in both clubs

Coaches in both clubs