ALBA Berlin received the opening whistle for the Champions League group stage on October 6 and will face ERA Nymburk, Igokea and Surne Bilbao in Group G. The German champion aims to go further after last season’s quarter‑final exit.
Who are the opponents?
ERA Nymburk hails from Prague and is a familiar foe – ALBA won both meetings in the previous season. Igokea represents Bosnia‑Herzegovina and is known for its physical defense. Surne Bilbao from Spain brings ACB experience and can be dangerous on the perimeter.
How is the group structured?
The group contains four teams, with the winner advancing directly to the playoff‑round of 16. The second‑ and third‑placed sides will contest a Best‑of‑Three play‑in in January 2027 for a spot. Every game can therefore decide the rest of the campaign.
What does this mean for ALBA Berlin?
Current roster star point guard Tim Schneider and forward Luka Petrović must deliver points, rebounds and assists from the first match. Last season the team averaged 78.3 points, 34.5 rebounds and 15.2 assists per game in the quarter‑finals. Those numbers are now the benchmark for Group G.
When are the games scheduled?
The official schedule is still pending, but the opening clash against ERA Nymburk is set for October 6. Additional dates will be released later in the month. ALBA Berlin is already training hard to tighten its defense against Bilbao’s quick wing players.
What can fans expect?
Berlin supporters can look forward to fast pick‑and‑roll actions and rapid fast‑breaks. Coach Julius Köhler stresses the need to guard the three‑point line, as Nymburk and Bilbao excel from the outside. The hope is that ALBA Berlin tops the group and secures a direct slot in the playoff‑round of 16.