Anadolu Efes-Real Madrid: aiming for victory in Istanbul

Real Madrid begins today the first double game week of the EuroLeague, which will see them face Anadolu Efes in Istanbul and on Thursday take on Hapoel Tel Aviv in Sofia, two teams vying for a spot in the Final Four. Pedro Martínez's team will aim to secure their first victory of the season this evening against the Turkish side (7:00 pm CEST; Movistar+ basketball).

The madridistas are on their second of three consecutive away games at the start of this competition. Similar to Anadolu Efes, they enter the match after winning their domestic league opener last weekend. Real Madrid defeated Unicaja Málaga by 89-87, while Pablo Laso's team beat Besiktas 95-81. In the top European competition, Real Madrid had the winning shot in Dubai, whereas the Turkish side lost at Palau Blaugrana.

Pedro Martínez's men will attempt to impose their style of play against an opponent that prefers a slower pace. Anadolu Efes has strengthened their squad to return to the elite with the arrivals of Mike James, Dario Saric, Strazel, Malcolm, and former Real Madrid players Yusta and Bruno Fernando. Madrid will need to protect the paint as the hosts generate many points near the basket.

Madrid dominates the head-to-head
The history between both teams, a classic matchup in recent times with encounters in the Regular Season, playoffs, and Final Four, is clearly in Real Madrid's favor: 31 wins in 48 games. Last season, Real Madrid won both meetings, including a 75-81 victory in Istanbul. The team aims to close the first month of competition with a triumph in Istanbul. 

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.