Joventut-Real Madrid: looking to continue positive league run
Chus Mateo's boys are seeking their sixth successive win in the competition at a tough away court (6:30 pm CET).
Real Madrid head into the final month of the year with a visit to Badalona to face Joventut on matchday nine in the league (6:30 CET). It will be the second trip of the week to Catalonia following the successful EuroLeague Clásico clash at the Palau. Now, our team will be hoping to extend their impressive run in the league by picking up a sixth win on the bounce.
In their last five league encounters, Chus Mateo's team have looked in fine shape at both ends of the court, averaging 69.4 points against and 86.8 in offense. That will be the aim once more today, against historic domestic opposition. These two teams have locked horns 189 times to date, with Madrid coming out on top in 142 - including the last five away trips.
The Palau Olímpic is well aware this is a big game, and a win here would breed confidence for upcoming matchups. That in mind, the madridistas will have to come through a hostile atmosphere and display the same form they showed against Barça on Thursday. Tavares, named MVP of the EuroLeague round after a PIR of 39, will be a key piece of the puzzle in terms of shackling Tomic and Pustovyi's experience and height under the post.
Campazzo on fire
Alongside the Cape Verde ace is the inimitable Campazzo, who is ensuring the team continues to perform at the highest level. His 7.2 assists over the last four games are clear evidence of that, and indeed, his exhibition against Barça was key once more. At the same time, Chus Mateo's boys will have to be alert from the perimeter - Robertson, Pau Ribas, Vives and former exmadridista Hanga are all a big threat from distance.