Dreamland Gran Canaria-Real Madrid: Whites aiming for place in Copa del Rey final
Chus Mateo's men will be looking to reach the final for the 11th time in the last 12 years (9.30 pm CET).
Real Madrid take on Dreamland Gran Canaria this evening in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey (9.30 pm CET). The Madridistas will be trying to reach their eleventh final in the last 12 years against the hosts of this edition of the competition. This will be the first time the two teams have faced each other in this round of the competition.
Madrid are two wins away from retaining the trophy they won last year in Malaga. After beating Baxi Manresa in the quarter-finals (92-69), the Whites face another stern challenge against a side they have already faced once this season in the league, with Chus Mateo’s men prevailing (83-77).
"We have to focus on what is going to be a very tough semi-final,” said the Madridista coach after the quarter-finals. Tonight's objective will be to return to the defensive solidity and attacking efficiency that gave Madrid the win against Manresa. Hezonja's outstanding performance, especially in the final stretch, was instrumental in the game.
The opposition
Dreamland Gran Canaria, who are eighth in the Liga ACB standings, go into the contest having beaten Valencia Basket (79-65). They will be highly motivated to reach the second final in their history and have the chance to win their first-ever trophy. Jaka Lakovic's side boasts a record of 11 wins and nine defeats in the ACB this season. Brussino and Homesley have been their standout performers.