Olympiacos-Real Madrid: a decisive week begins in the EuroLeague
Scariolo's team, with two away games in less than 48 hours, seeks a victory on the leader's court to climb to second place (8:15 pm CEST; #Vamos).
Real Madrid faces two crucial games for the final standings of the toughest EuroLeague regular season ever—today against Olympiacos and Thursday against Fenerbahce. With three games remaining, Scariolo's team sits third, just one win behind the Greek and Turkish leaders. A victory tonight in Piraeus would move them up to second place and mathematically secure a playoff spot.
This historic rivalry will see a new chapter unfold at the iconic Peace and Friendship Stadium. It will be the 56th time the two teams meet in the European Cup and EuroLeague (30-25 in favor of Madrid) in a match with much at stake. For Madrid, a win would mean drawing level with the Greeks. Before playing, they will know the result of Fenerbahce's visit to Hapoel Tel Aviv. Additionally, winning this round and if Panathinaikos fails to win in Barcelona, Madrid would secure a finish among the top six.
Today's game is a massive challenge. Olympiacos controls its own fate to finish as league leaders for the second consecutive season. They have won their last nine home games, with only Monaco, Valencia Basket, and Anadolu Efes managing to claim victories there. Madrid, in their last two away games in Kaunas and Vitoria, lost by two points in the final moments after having the games under control for much of the time. In the first leg at Movistar Arena, Madrid won 89-77, overcoming a poor start, clawing back a 10-point deficit, and dominating the final quarter with a 25-8 run. Hezonja and Deck, both with a performance index rating of 18, were the standout players.
Key Factors
Small details often decide these matches. Real Madrid has been shooting better from three-point range (third-highest percentage in the competition at 38%), while Olympiacos is second in two-point shooting (59.3%). The battle in the paint will be crucial. Madrid must prove why they are the best defensive rebounders (25.8) against a rival with a strong inside game, led by Vezenkov and Milutinov (not forgetting Jones, Peters, or Fall, who returns from injury). Fournier, Walkup, McKissic, and Ward lead a very physical perimeter.
Madrid, Leader in Efficiency
Scariolo's team has significantly improved their offense in the second half of the season. This, combined with their defensive solidity, particularly at home, makes them the most efficient team in the competition since early January. They boast the best difference between points scored per possession and points conceded (+0.10), ahead of Olympiacos and Zalgiris (+0.07). Madrid is aiming for their 23rd victory in the EuroLeague this evening.
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.