Munich (dpa / lby) - relief for the basketball players of FC Bayern Munich: Ironically, against defending champion Anadolu Efes Istanbul, the team of head coach Andrea Trinchieri was able to celebrate their first win in the Europa League with 81:78 (38:39). In the previous five games on the international stage, Munich have only suffered defeats. Accordingly, Trinichieri was satisfied on Thursday evening after the surprise coup: "I'm very happy for my players, also for our fans, because it was an incredible atmosphere."
In the Audi Dome, which was sold out with 6,500 spectators, FCB fought a duel on an equal footing with the Turkish representative, for whom the former Bamberg and ex-NBA player Tibor Pleiss also plays. Isaac Bonga was particularly convincing for the hosts, who was back on the floor for the first time after his foot operation and was able to contribute twelve points and eight rebounds to the success. "It was a difficult game against the defending champions. You have to play well for 40 minutes against a team like that and we did that."
Ergin Ataman, coach of the Istanbul team, also had to acknowledge that. He was aware before the game that it would be difficult in Munich. Ultimately, Bayern's rebound sovereignty was decisive. "As a result, they created more shooting chances and deserved the win," Ataman said. "Today you saw the true FC Bayern basketball," commented Bayern President Herbert Hainer, who was watching. After six matchdays, Munich are still a long way from the playoff places.
