ASVEL - Crvena zvezda: European showdown in Villeurbanne after an exciting start to the season
LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade meet on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 20:00 at L'Astroballe in Villeurbanne, a city in the French metropolitan area of Lyon. The fifth-round game of the 2026/2027 EuroLeague comes at a time when both teams have two wins and two losses, and both recorded important away victories in the previous round. ASVEL defeated Paris Basketball 98:96 in Paris, while Crvena zvezda won 77:58 in Dubai.
The matchup promises an interesting clash of basketball approaches. The team led by Tony Parker is looking to capitalize on the quality of its perimeter players and shooting accuracy, while Crvena zvezda, under Ibon Navarro, emphasizes defense, rebounding control and discipline in offensive organization. Particular attention will be focused on Patty Mills, Jordan Nwora, Jae Crowder and Joel Bolomboy, as well as several players who changed clubs during the summer.
The location is also important for visitors: the game will be played at L'Astroballe, not at the larger LDLC Arena, which also hosts ASVEL's European opponents. Because of the smaller venue's limited capacity, it is advisable to secure tickets in advance.
What's at stake in the fifth round of the EuroLeague
The new EuroLeague season features 20 clubs, with each team playing 38 games during the regular season. The top six teams qualify directly for the playoffs, while clubs finishing seventh through tenth receive an additional opportunity through the Play-In Showdown.
Ahead of the fifth round, Crvena zvezda sits seventh and ASVEL eleventh in the displayed standings. Both clubs have a 2-2 record, demonstrating how tightly packed the standings are after only four games. A single victory can move a team several places, although it is still too early to draw conclusions about the contenders for the final stages.
ASVEL is looking to put together two consecutive European victories following its success in Paris. Crvena zvezda wants to continue the run that began against Anadolu Efes and was reinforced by a convincing triumph in Dubai. For both teams, avoiding a return to a losing record is important, especially during a stretch of the schedule when games follow one another in quick succession.
The schedule is particularly demanding for the home team. ASVEL has a domestic league game against Roanne on October 11, then hosts Crvena zvezda before visiting Real Madrid on October 15. Tony Parker therefore has to distribute playing time between European and domestic commitments, with little opportunity for training between games.
ASVEL: victory in Paris restored confidence
ASVEL opened the season with a victory over Maccabi, but two defeats against strong European opponents followed. In Paris, the team demonstrated that it could respond even when the opposition imposed a high tempo.
ASVEL's results in the first four rounds of the EuroLeague:
- September 24 - LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne - Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv 84:74.
- September 30 - Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens - LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 102:79.
- October 2 - LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne - Valencia Basket 92:105.
- October 7 - Paris Basketball - LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 96:98.
The victory over Paris Basketball was particularly valuable because of the way it was achieved. The home team led for much of the game, Nadir Hifi scored 30 points, and ASVEL had to find solutions in the closing minutes after a series of defensive problems.
Tremont Waters made an important layup to give his team a 97:96 lead, after which Joel Bolomboy converted one free throw to establish the final score of 98:96. Paris failed to capitalize on its final possession.
Patty Mills led the winners with 21 points, Waters added 19, and Both Gach contributed 17 points and six assists. Hugo Besson scored 16 points, while Jae Crowder recorded 11 points, five rebounds and five assists.
ASVEL made 14 of its 27 three-point attempts in that game. Such accuracy allowed the team to overcome as many as 19 turnovers. This relationship between offensive quality and mistakes is precisely one of the key elements ahead of Crvena zvezda's visit.
Tony Parker and the players driving the home team's offense
Tony Parker took over the coaching role at ASVEL during the summer of 2026, following a long period spent in the club's management structure. His return to the sidelines in a different capacity is one of the most interesting features of the French team's new season.
Parker has a group of players with different profiles at his disposal. Patty Mills brings experience, a quick shooting release and the ability to score after coming off screens. After four European games, he is averaging 16.8 points, making him ASVEL's leading scorer.
Tremont Waters is important in organizing the offense and changing the tempo. His speed allows him to penetrate between defensive lines, while his performance in Paris demonstrated how dangerous he can also be as a shooter. When Mills and Waters find their rhythm simultaneously, the opposing defense must decide whether to pressure the perimeter players aggressively or protect the area around the basket.
Jae Crowder gives the home team additional toughness. Although this is his first EuroLeague season, he has already taken on an important role in defense, rebounding and passing during the opening rounds. His five assists against Paris demonstrate that he is not merely a player who finishes offensive possessions, but can also help create open shots.
Hugo Besson and Both Gach expand Parker's options at the perimeter positions. Besson can take on offensive responsibility during rotations, while Gach demonstrated efficiency against Paris without needing a large number of shot attempts.
Joel Bolomboy plays an important role in the paint, averaging 5.5 rebounds over the first four rounds. His mobility, ability to close down space and capacity to finish plays near the rim are particularly important against the physically strong Crvena zvezda.
Crvena zvezda: from two defeats to a convincing victory in Dubai
Crvena zvezda did not make an ideal start to its European season. In the opening round, it lost 83:77 to Zalgiris Kaunas, followed by an 81:80 defeat against Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv. The second loss, decided by the narrowest of margins, was particularly painful.
The change in momentum came with a 77:72 victory over Anadolu Efes. After that, Ibon Navarro's team traveled to Dubai and produced its most convincing European performance of the season so far.
Crvena zvezda defeated Dubai Basketball 77:58. The decisive factor was not an extraordinary shooting performance, but defensive organization. The Belgrade team stopped drives, provided help in the paint and controlled the rebounds, preventing its opponent from finding an easy way back into the game.
Zvezda collected 41 rebounds. Jordan Nwora scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds, Semi Ojeleye added 12 points and seven rebounds, while Jared Butler contributed 11 points. Chris Jones finished with nine points, four rebounds and four assists, and Nick Weiler-Babb distributed six assists.
After the game, Ibon Navarro particularly emphasized his satisfaction with the defense and rebounding control. Such a performance could serve as a model for the trip to France, where Zvezda will attempt to limit ASVEL's perimeter shooters and avoid a game in which both teams rely on a large number of open three-point attempts.
Jordan Nwora is averaging 13.8 points through the first four rounds. Other important contributors include Ojeleye, who averages 6.5 rebounds, and Chris Jones, with five assists per game.
Tactical battle: ASVEL's three-pointers against Zvezda's defense
One of the most interesting differences between the opponents lies in their offensive production so far. ASVEL has averaged 88.3 points through the first four rounds, compared with 77.8 for Crvena zvezda.
However, the numbers do not tell the whole story. ASVEL scored 98 points against Paris but also allowed its opponent to score 96. Crvena zvezda did not need to reach such a high offensive level against Dubai because it held its opponent to just 58 points.
For ASVEL, creating space for Mills and Waters is important. If Zvezda's guards aggressively pressure the ball handler, the French team can look for quick passes to an open teammate. Crowder is particularly valuable because he can recognize such situations.
Zvezda will attempt to disrupt the first pass and force the home team to begin its offensive possessions farther from the basket. ASVEL's 19 turnovers against Paris showed that mistakes occur under pressure, even when perimeter shooting is at a very high level.
The second battle will take place on the boards. Bolomboy and the other tall players on the home team must limit the visitors' additional possessions, while Ojeleye and Zvezda's interior players will look for opportunities after missed shots.
The third element is tempo. ASVEL has players who can quickly increase the pace and score points in runs. Crvena zvezda showed in Dubai that it is comfortable in a more controlled game, gradually building an advantage through defense and patient offensive possessions.
That does not mean Zvezda has to abandon fast transitions. On the contrary, steals and defensive rebounds can create opportunities for easy points before the home defense gets organized. The question is whether the visitors will benefit more from slowing ASVEL's offense or exploiting its mistakes.
Bolomboy and Weiler-Babb: facing former teammates
Changes to the rosters during the summer transfer period add another storyline to the game.
Joel Bolomboy joined ASVEL after a spell with Crvena zvezda. During his time in Belgrade, he was one of the key players in defense and rebounding, and he will now attempt to use his familiarity with certain opponents against his former club.
Nick Weiler-Babb moved in the opposite direction, having previously played for ASVEL. His role at Zvezda is connected with offensive organization, passing and defensive assignments at the perimeter positions.
Such matchups are also interesting because of the tactical details. Former players know some of their previous clubs' habits, but both teams have undergone changes and new coaching requirements in the meantime. Previous experience can therefore help with preparation, but it does not guarantee an advantage on the court.
Head-to-head meetings between ASVEL and Crvena zvezda
Recent European meetings show that Crvena zvezda has frequently found solutions against its French opponent. The Belgrade team has won the last three encounters, including both games during the 2025/2026 season.
The last five head-to-head results, from newest to oldest:
- April 10, 2026 - LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne - Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 93:106.
- October 28, 2025 - Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade - LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 79:65.
- February 4, 2025 - Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade - LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne 73:66.
- November 14, 2024 - LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne - Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 77:74.
- January 9, 2024 - LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne - Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade 100:91.
The game in April 2026 is particularly interesting, as Zvezda won 106:93 at L'Astroballe itself. Jared Butler scored 24 points on that occasion and was one of the main reasons for the away victory.
On the other hand, ASVEL celebrated a 100:91 victory in front of its home supporters in January 2024, confirming that the French team also has positive memories of head-to-head meetings in Villeurbanne.
Nevertheless, historical results must be considered alongside the current rosters. Tony Parker and Ibon Navarro are leading different teams from those of previous seasons. The last three defeats provide motivation for the home team, but their outcomes cannot automatically be applied to the fifth-round game.
Injuries and player availability
The players' physical condition could affect the rotations. According to the EuroLeague injury report for the fourth round, Crvena zvezda was unable to count on Johnathan Motley in Dubai, while Ognjen Dobrić's participation had been questionable before the game.
Patrick Baldwin had previously experienced back problems but was listed as available for the fourth round. Nikola Đurišić was also returning after a thigh problem.
For ASVEL, TyTy Washington, Edwin Jackson and Mathis Dossou-Yovo missed the first three European rounds. Jackson had meanwhile played in the French domestic league, so an absence from the EuroLeague does not necessarily mean that a player is injured.
These details describe the situation before the fifth round, not the final list of absences for the game against Crvena zvezda. Further changes are possible following training sessions and domestic league commitments preceding the matchup. Final rosters should be checked on game day.
L'Astroballe: an arena with stands close to the court
L'Astroballe is located at 44 Avenue Marcel Cerdan, 69100 Villeurbanne. The arena opened in 1995 and has been associated with ASVEL's home games for decades.
Its capacity is approximately 5,500 spectators. Unlike large multipurpose arenas, the stands here are steeper and closer to the playing surface. Spectators therefore have a very direct view of plays under the basket, communication between players and events along the sidelines.
It is important to distinguish L'Astroballe from LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu. ASVEL uses both venues, but L'Astroballe in Villeurbanne has been confirmed for the game against Crvena zvezda.
The smaller arena also creates a different European basketball experience. Crowd reactions to blocks, successful three-pointers and turnovers quickly spread throughout the venue. In a game where both teams recently won in close or challenging away circumstances, the spectators' reactions during scoring runs and the final minutes will be particularly interesting.
Fans who want to follow the game from close to the court should check ticket availability and their seating section in advance.
How to get to L'Astroballe and where to park
The arena is located in the eastern part of Villeurbanne, near the important Laurent Bonnevay transport hub. The easiest way to reach it from the central part of the Lyon metropolitan area is by public transport.
Practical information for visitors:
- Address: L'Astroballe, 44 Avenue Marcel Cerdan, 69100 Villeurbanne, France.
- Public transport: Metro line A, Laurent Bonnevay - Astroballe station, followed by a short walk of approximately 500 meters.
- Parking: Parking facilities are available in the surrounding area, but spaces may be limited. Special conditions of use apply to certain car parks and the park-and-ride system.
- Doors opening: For this game, the doors are scheduled to open 90 minutes before tip-off, at approximately 18:30.
- Arrival at the arena: Arriving early is recommended because of ticket checks, finding the correct seating section and possible congestion before the game begins.
Visitors traveling by car should pay particular attention to the Laurent Bonnevay car park. Parking facilities connected to the TCL network have their own rules, including conditions requiring the use of a valid transport ticket. ASVEL indicates that access to some parking spaces is restricted to people with the appropriate authorization.
Consequently, the proximity of a car park does not automatically mean that it is freely available to every game attendee. Traveling by metro is the simpler choice, especially when a large number of spectators leave the arena at approximately the same time.
Refreshments and food are available at L'Astroballe. Arena regulations do not allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks, subject to certain exceptions. Visitors should also check the current rules regarding bags and other items before setting off.
Villeurbanne and Lyon: what traveling fans should know
Villeurbanne is part of the continuous urban area of Lyon, one of France's largest cities. For international visitors, it is important to know that L'Astroballe is not located in Lyon's historic center, but east of the central city districts.
Metro line A connects Laurent Bonnevay with major city stations, including Bellecour and Perrache. This makes traveling to the arena easier for fans staying in central Lyon, without needing to drive.
Visitors with time before the game can explore the Gratte-Ciel district of Villeurbanne. It is recognizable for its modernist architecture, Avenue Henri-Barbusse and Place Lazare-Goujon. This part of the city can also be reached by metro line A.
When traveling to the game, it is useful to plan the return journey in advance. The game begins at 20:00, and its actual duration will depend on stoppages, time spent on the benches and possible overtime periods. It is therefore advisable to check the last evening departures of public transport.
What spectators can expect during the game
ASVEL and Crvena zvezda enter the matchup with identical records but different impressions from their previous performances. The French team proved against Paris that it can make a large number of outside shots and turn around a close game. The Belgrade team demonstrated in Dubai that it can hold an opponent to a very low points total.
If ASVEL manages to create early shooting opportunities for Mills and Waters, the home team could impose a game with a high number of possessions. If Zvezda controls the rebounds and forces its opponent into mistakes, Navarro's team will have an opportunity to slow the tempo and attack after gaining possession.
The matchup at the perimeter positions deserves particular attention, as does the physical battle under the basket between Bolomboy and the visitors' big men. The game also provides an opportunity to observe the tactical decisions of Tony Parker and Ibon Navarro, two coaches who are attempting to build stability within their teams in different ways.
For spectators at L'Astroballe, this is European basketball experienced from close range, featuring players who have already demonstrated their ability to decide games during the first four rounds. Tickets are worth securing before arrival, and visitors are advised to check the final schedule, rosters and transport information immediately before the game.
Sources:
- LDLC ASVEL - 2026/2027 season game calendar, confirmation of the matchup, date, time and venue.
- EuroLeague Basketball, Game Center: LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne - Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade - standings, head-to-head meetings, statistics and rosters.
- EuroLeague Basketball, Competition Format 2026-27 - competition format, number of clubs and qualification rules for the final stages.
- EuroLeague Basketball, "ASVEL outlasts Paris in derby thriller", October 7, 2026 - report on the game against Paris Basketball, results and key players.
- EuroLeague Basketball, "Zvezda defensive masterclass downs Dubai", October 8, 2026 - Crvena zvezda's victory, statistics and coaches' comments.
- EuroLeague Basketball, "Injury report: Round 4", October 2026 - player availability and medical information ahead of the fourth round.
- BasketNews - statistical preview of ASVEL - Crvena zvezda, season averages of the leading players.
- FFBB / Team France Basket - statistics from ASVEL - Paris Basketball games and previous head-to-head meetings.
- FIBA Basketball - guide to L'Astroballe, arena capacity and characteristics of the stands.
- Ville de Villeurbanne - information about L'Astroballe, its address, history and public transport.
- LDLC ASVEL - information about arena access, door opening times, parking and visitor regulations.
- TCL Lyon - information about the metro network and conditions for using park-and-ride facilities.
- Office du tourisme de Lyon and Destination Gratte-Ciel - information about transport connections and attractions in Villeurbanne.