Nikola Milutinov mentions Olympiacos' lessons after a 2–0 lead over Real Madrid, expresses gratitude toward fans, and talks his future plans. He also explains why Partizan and Zvezda are irreplaceable in order to preserve the EuroLeague's identity and success.
Olympiacos Piraeus raced to a 2-0 lead against Real Madrid in their 2025 playoff series, but Nikola Milutinov knew better than to celebrate too soon.
The Serbian center, currently on his second term in Piraeus after a three-year stint at CSKA Moscow, has seen too much to let complacency sneak in now.
"The most important thing is that we're 2-0," Milutinov noted in a chat with BasketNews after Game 2 at Peace and Friendship Stadium.
Madrid's comeback potential
"But if we are thinking that the job is done, the job is not done. Madrid is a really experienced team. They know how to come back. They've shown that in the past."
He wasn't exaggerating.
Just two years ago, in 2023, Los Blancos overturned a 0-2 deficit against Partizan, winning three straight elimination games – one of the most legendary comebacks in EuroLeague history.
It's a warning Olympiacos are taking seriously.
Craziest EuroLeague fight ever that decided champions:
Milutinov didn't even need a reminder from his old friends at Partizan.
"Nah, I didn't talk to them," he laughed.
"But that's what I'm saying. They showed in the past – even when they were losing two games at home – they had the ability to turn things around. But I think we have quality, and we are all experienced enough. We have the team that knows what we have to do, and hopefully, we're going to prove it."
Connection with fans & contract status
Milutinov's return to Olympiacos last summer was one of the most emotional stories of the offseason.
From 2015 to 2020, he grew into a fan favorite thanks to his relentless rebounding, grit, and connection with the supporters.
Now, he's once again hearing his name chanted at the Peace and Friendship Stadium.
"It's a big thing, a big honor," he said. "I want to thank them for doing this to me. I had been here before I left for CSKA, and I got to spend a lot of time here. So it's really something big for me, and I really want to thank them. I was amazed."
However, when asked if this renewed love might influence his plans beyond the summer of 2025 – when his current contract expires – Milutinov
