Real Madrid-Anadolu Efes: rerun of game of four overtimes
The two teams meet again at the WiZink Center ten months after the memorable match that Chus Mateo's charges won 130-126 after four overtimes (8.45 pm CET)
Back on 5 January, the night of Epiphany, Real Madrid and Anadolu Efes served us a memorable match that went down in basketball history. The Whites ran out 130-126 winners after four overtimes at the WiZink Center and a host of records. Ten months later, the two sides will relive that ode to basketball as they close out another EuroLeague double-header. After the victory against Virtus Bologna on Tuesday, Chus Mateo’s boys will be looking to maintain their unbeaten home record this season against arguably the most dangerous opponent on their travels.
If there is one litmus test to evaluate Real Madrid’s flawless run at the WiZink Center, where they have won all their games to date (4 in EuroLeague and 4 in League), it is tonight's clash. The Whites are unstoppable at home. In the EuroLeague, they are averaging 94 points and an average win difference of 11 points. They face Anadolu Efes, who boasts the highest number of away wins in the competition - with 4 victories out of 5.
“At home, we’re playing with more energy and aggressiveness,” said Chus Mateo before the clash. This is reflected in the statistics. In all four games, Madrid have reached or exceeded 90 points, scoring in different ways and all contributing quality minutes. Campazzo, Llull, Hezonja and Tavares are enjoying a sweet spell of form along with Ibaka, Abalde and Rathan-Mayes. This is a vital union in order to face Anadolu Efes. The Turks have one more win than the Whites and are a very physical team with strong offensive capabilities. In the absence of Larkin, Bryant has stepped up. Beaubois, Thompson and Nwora are their other threats.
A battle in the paint
The two most intimidating teams in the EuroLeague go head-to-head this evening. The arrival of ex-Madrid player Poirier has given Anadolu Efes, who also have Osmani, Oturu and Smits, a boost on the inside. His match-up with Tavares will be special after forming the best pair of centres in Europe for more than three years with the Cape Verdean. Madrid will be looking to continue their winning run at the WiZink Center. After this game, there are still two more home games to come (on Sunday, Hiopos Lleida and on Thursday, Alba Berlin). This will be the 45th episode in the rivalry between the Madridistas and the Ottomans.