Barça-Real Madrid: Euroleague Clásico to kick off 2024
The leaders visit the Palau Blaugrana looking for their 17th win (9:30pm CET).
A new year gets underway for Real Madrid basketball, which opens with a EuroLeague Clásico at the Palau Blaugrana (9:30pm CET). Chus Mateo's leaders play game 18 and begin a demanding month with 11 games in 27 days. The objective is to start 2024 as they closed 2023 and to pick up their 17th victory in the competition.
The second half of the season is about to begin and Madrid are looking to continue with the same dynamic as in the first half. They achieved the best record in the championship with a 16-1 record. On the other hand, the historical precedents against Barça in the EuroLeague are favourable for our team (18-17), who have won the last three European Clásicos.
Today's game is very demanding: a Clásico and against an opponent that is looking to get back to winning ways. Despite the last few games, Grimau's team are third in the Euroleague. The concentration of Chus Mateo's team under the post will be one of the keys to stopping Willy Hernángomez and Vesely. Barça will also look to do damage from the perimeter with good shooters like Laprovittola and Kalinic, along with the leadership of Satoransky and Jokubaitis.
Hezonja named Euroleague MVP for December
However, Real Madrid wants to put their strength on both sides of the court on display at the Palau. They lead in PIR, points, assists, defensive rebounds and blocks. The Tavares-Campazzo duo will be vital once again to overcome the blaugrana defence. Another Madrid player who is in great form is Hezonja, who was recently named EuroLeague MVP for December. The Croatian has averaged 16 points, 5 rebounds and 17.2 PIR in his last five games in the competition. The new year starts with a huge game and Madrid are eager to continue their winning streak.