Real Madrid-Dreamland Gran Canaria: the league gets underway
Our team, the most decorated with 38 titles and champions for the last two seasons, make their debut today at the Movistar Arena (12:30 pm CEST).
Real Madrid begin the journey towards a 39th league title today. The champions of the last two editions and the team with the best record (38 titles) welcome Dreamland Gran Canaria to the Movistar Arena with the aim of getting off to a winning start in front of their fans after last Thursday's excellent victory against Olympiacos in the Euroleague.
The league begins and with it a new challenge for Scariolo's Real Madrid, who will attempt to defend the title they won last year against Valencia Basket. Thirty-eight games lie ahead, followed by the playoffs. In the build-up to the game against the Greeks, the Italian coach said they would strive to improve every day. And they are on the right track. They laid down a marker against another of the favourites to win it all, Olympiacos (89-77), showing a very high defensive level (holding the Greek team to 8 points in the fourth quarter and 24 in the second half) and maximum commitment and solidarity from the entire squad.
Unlike the game against Virtus, they were accurate from outside. Nine players scored at least one three-pointer and all 12 players got on the scoreboard, with Hezonja the top scorer (18). Another piece of good news is the level at which Deck has returned from injury. In four games, he has exceeded double digits in attack and in valuation. But if there is one key to aiming for the top, it is maintaining the Movistar Arena as an unassailable fortress for their rivals. Last season, they won all 22 games played at home and have now won 31 in a row, including the last nine of the 2023/24 season. It is their best-ever run of consecutive wins on their home court, and they want to keep it going.
Opponent
Dreamland Gran Canaria have been one of the best teams in the ACB in recent times. They maintain a solid core with Albicy, Brussino, Salvó, Pelos and Tobey, among others, and have added more points from the outside with Wong and Angola. The arrival of big men Eric Via, Labeyrie and Kur Kuath gives them greater versatility and intimidation in the paint. Lakovic's team are intense and direct in their play. Madrid are in search of a first league win.