KK Crvena zvezda-Real Madrid: crunch match in Belgrade
Chus Mateo's charges are looking for an away win in another direct clash for the EuroLeague playoffs (8 pm CET).
It's matchday 32 of the EuroLeague and there are three games to go until the end of the Regular Season and the playoffs are still to be decided. Seven teams, between fourth and twelfth, are separated by two wins. After the victory against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on Tuesday, the Whites face another decisive game in Belgrade against KK Crvena zvezda. In their penultimate outing, Real Madrid will be determined to secure a victory that will bring them closer to their goal of qualification.
Before the start of the matchday, the Serbs were fifth (18-13) and Chus Mateo's team were ninth (17-14). KK Crvena zvezda boast a better overall points difference than Madrid, but only by 4 points (+68 vs +64). In terms of the head-to-head record, and before today's game, the Madridistas have a +23 in their favour following the 95-72 victory in the first meeting. If they win, the Whites should be able to climb up the standings, given the other direct clashes this matchday and the evenly matched standings.
Two teams full of confidence
Both teams are in good form and full of confidence. Since the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid have won 8 in 9 games, the last 6 in a row between the league and the EuroLeague. In European basketball, they have won three in a row (Virtus Bologna, Asvel and Milan). KK Crvena zvezda ended a run of three defeats by winning at Olympiacos and at home against Virtus Bologna by 36 points.
Madrid's opponents are a well-balanced team, tough in defence and possessing an inside and outside threat. Inside, Davidovac and Petrusev are in top form and will be up against a Madridista inside game fronted by Tavares. The centre averaged 21 points in the wins over Asvel and Milan. As for the perimeter, there will be some high-level duels. In the point guard position, Campazzo, Feliz and Llull will battle Miller-Mcintyre, Teodosic and Dos Santos; and around them, players such as Musa, Hezonja, Deck and Abalde will be up against Canaan, Nedovic and Kalinic.
Madrid face stern test at Belgrade Arena
The Whites have a tough trip to the Belgrade Arena, a stadium that has a great atmosphere for basketball and where the home fans always turn up in force. However, six teams have won there this season and Madrid have been victorious in their last two visits. Today, they will be looking for a crucial win in the fight for the playoffs.