A week after winning the cup against Ulm, Alba Berlin also sensationally won the top duel against FC Bayern in the league. Thanks to a strong first half and a brilliant final offensive, the Berliners beat the reigning German champions 67:61 (35:38).
Alba Berlin pulled off a surprise against the title favorites from Munich. In the Uber Arena at home, the Albatrosses beat FC Bayern 67:61 (35:38). The 18-year-old Alba youngster Nevio Bennefeld was particularly noticeable in the Berlin jersey.
Alba focused from the start
Alba Berlin got into the game well and played quickly and courageously. Both teams went for secure points from the start – several three-pointers were missed on both sides. Alba guard Martin Hermannsson in particular got off to a really good start and, like his teammates, let the ball run smoothly. The Munich team, on the other hand, initially didn’t get their usual intensity and toughness onto the floor. When the score was 16:12, Bayern coach Gordon Herbert called the first timeout.
The first quarter remained mixed from the guests’ point of view, who had to struggle with a noticeable number of ball losses. Berlin’s plan became clear: Find conclusions quickly and give the Munich defense no time to organize themselves. This was particularly achieved by Alba youngster Nevio Bennefeld, who had an impressive presence.
Fast-moving albatrosses
So far it seemed as if the Albatrosses had the surprise Departure of top scorer Boogie Ellis well put away during the week. And things initially remained even in the second quarter. Bayern continued to struggle with missed throws and ball losses, while Berlin played fast and more confidently. Alba coach Pedro Calles has been very happy with his team’s performance against the reigning German champions.
The Munich team were now able to calm the game down a bit and find their rhythm better. Alba was ahead, especially when it came to hustle plays and steals. What still didn’t work was the threesomes. After a phase without many points, Bayern Munich went into halftime with a 38:35 lead.
Bayern are pulling themselves together
Daniel Herbert, Munich’s assistant coach, explained at half-time: More rhythm and more cohesion are needed for the title favorites. Even after the break, Alba didn’t let herself be disturbed. The Berlin team regained the lead with a three-pointer from Malte Delow (42:40). What then followed, however, was an 8-point run from Munich, whereupon Pedro Calles called his team for a timeout and demanded more focus on the rebounds.
Alba was now in the first critical phase of the game. Bayern became more attentive and determined, and ball losses now became more of an issue for Berlin. And Munich’s defense was suddenly excellent. Bayern coach Herbert’s half-time speech seemed to have had an effect. The score after the third quarter: 44:52.
Crazy last quarter
In the hot phase of the 75th duel between the two teams, there was still no talk of offensive fireworks. Too many errors and inaccuracies dominated the game. And yet, just under six minutes before the end, Jack Kayil caused the hall to go crazy with a remarkable throw from downtown and reduced the score to three points (52:55). The momentum was now completely on the hosts’ side, who even took the lead again. It was a wild last few minutes with little structure – but with a good outcome for Alba Berlin! Once again it was Jack Kayil who sank ice-cold shots several times and secured Alba’s 67:61 victory.
Broadcast: rbb24, October 26, 2025, 9:45 p.m
