The Madrid-based team participated in the Admiral Open Air Tournament in the Serbian capital, where they faced both Partizan Belgrade and Turkey's Besiktas, both participants in the EuroLeague. The club used the occasion to test strategies for the upcoming official competition.
On Friday, the team played against Partizan Belgrade, coached by Joan Peñarroya. A significant moment occurred when players from both teams posed together holding a banner reading ‘Partizan de Fuenlabrada’ and a combined crest. The final score was 98-55 in favor of the Serbian team, although the second half was more competitive. Top scorers for ‘Fuenla’ were Iván Cruz (13) and Benite, while Derek Willis (16) and Joffrey Lauvergne (15) stood out for the hosts.
The following day, Saturday, Partizan de Fuenlabrada faced Besiktas, who won 74-108. The match was more balanced, particularly in the first half. For the Fuenlabrada team, four players reached double digits in scoring: Javi López (12), Jorge Bilbao (11), Iván Cruz (11), and Jonathan Zhao (11). For the Turkish side, top scorers were Wenyan Gabriel (21) and Jaylen Nowell (15).
The team competed in the tournament with a significantly weakened interior game, missing Goran Huskic and Brunao Cardoso. Youngsters Andrés Rupérez and Chris Okito played prominent roles throughout the tournament.
The final test before the league season begins will be next Saturday at the Torneo Ciudad de Getafe, where Partizan de Fuenlabrada will play against Movistar Estudiantes. Coach Iñaki Martín hopes to have some of the players who were absent in Serbia available.
