The last time Olympiacos won the EuroLeague was 2013 — against Real Madrid, 100–88, in London. Thirteen years later, same opponent, same outcome, completely different game. This one had to be earned point by point, possession by possession, until the very last second.

Real led for more than 25 minutes. There were 10 lead changes and five ties. The score was level at 80–80 with under two minutes remaining. This was not a coronation. This was a fight.

Real started with a 1–9 run — Lyles and Hezonja scoring at will, Olympiacos rattled and Bartzokas calling timeout early. Lyles scored 21 of his 24 points in the first half alone. For long stretches, Real looked like the team that belonged in a final — even missing Tavares, Len and Garuba.

But Olympiacos doesn't lose games in the first quarter. It wins them in the fourth.

Olympiacos outscored Real Madrid 31–20 in the final period. The rebounding advantage told the story — 42 to 26 over the whole game, including 12 offensive rebounds that kept possessions alive when they mattered most. Real had more steals, more fast break points, better ball movement. Olympiacos had the glass. In a game this close, the glass was everything.

Alec Peters nailed the game's final four free throws to seal it, finishing with 16 points and 7 rebounds. "I got to do this in front of my family," he said afterwards, holding his daughter. "I've been trying to climb this mountain since I came here in 2019. A lot of blood, sweat and tears with this group." He was named Final Four MVP. Fournier, who led with 20 points, had already been named the championship game's standout performer.

There was more drama when Real twice deliberately missed free throws and grabbed offensive rebounds — the second giving Feliz a chance to tie it with 11 seconds left. His three was off the mark. Peters went to the line. Two free throws. Over.

Before the game, Hezonja had said: "The small details will determine the outcome." He was right. They just didn't go Real's way.

Olympiacos are champions of Europe. After six Final Fours, after three finals lost, after thirteen years. The dogfight ended the only way it could — with nothing left to give, and one team still standing.