Baskonia-Real Madrid: first league away trip
Scariolo's men visit the Buesa Arena this evening with the aim of securing their second victory of the competition (7 pm CEST).
It's a different competition, but with the same gruelling intensity. After the team’s victory over Asvel on Thursday, the Whites must now face EuroLeague opposition Baskonia in the Liga Endesa. Real Madrid head into their first away game in this competition at one of the toughest venues in Europe, the Buesa Arena. Scariolo’s side will be looking for their second domestic win after kicking off the competition on Sunday with a victory over Dreamland Gran Canaria.
The Whites face a classic match-up today. The Madridistas are improving with every game. They have racked up three consecutive victories (Olympiacos, Dreamland Gran Canaria and Asvel) and are performing very solidly in defence. Baskonia have not had a good start to the season and will be looking to make amends in front of their home fans. They have lost all three EuroLeague games and lost their league opener in Zaragoza.
Madrid have triumphed in their last six La Liga encounters with Baskonia, three of which were in Vitoria. The most recent, which secured the team's place in the semi-finals, was a magnificent match that ended 103-112 without overtime. The two sides also clashed in pre-season at the Encesta Rías Tournament, with Scariolo's team emerging victorious 87-80.
The opposition
There has also been a change on the bench for Vitoria. Italian Galbiati is in charge of a team that maintains its style and identity of play. It boasts top-level players such as Howard, Luwawu-Cabarrot and Simanic. In addition, they have added more depth with the arrival of Diakite and Diallo. Former Madridista youth player Spagnolo, Rafa Villar and Nowell have strengthened their perimeter.