Real Madrid-Anadolu Efes: blockbuster clash at thte WiZink Center
Our team, the most decorated in the competition, host the winners of the last two editions (7:45pm CET).
Real Madrid host Anadolu Efes on Euroleague matchday seven, in one of the competition's greatest match-ups. Last year's finalists, it's a clash that has played out on 40 occasions already this century. Chus Mateo's boys will be hoping for a fourth win in what is there only game this week.
It's sure to be a tough test for the madridistas, as Anadolu Efes come to town on the back of two successive defeats and in desperate need of a win to climb back up the table following an inconsistent start. Madrid have one more win than tonight's opposition, following victory in Milan last time out against one of the favourites. Now, they'll have to stand firm at the WiZink Center.
It's sure to be a tough test for the madridistas, as Anadolu Efes come to town on the back of two successive defeats and in desperate need of a win to climb back up the table following an inconsistent start. Madrid have one more win than tonight's opposition, following victory in Milan last time out against one of the favourites. Now, they'll have to stand firm at the WiZink Center.
Defense will surely be one of the key elements of the game. Our team are conceding just 76.7, to Anadolu Efes' average of 81.5. The Turkish outfit are struggling at the back this season, and Real Madrid will have to make them suffer. Indeed, the hosts don't depend on one or two players, with Musa, Tavares and Deck all posting double digits, while Hezonja and Yabusele both contibute almost 10 points per game.
The opposition
Micic and Clyburn have put up nearly half of Ataman's team's points so far this campaign, in the absence of Larkin. They head a line-up including Beaubois, Pleiss and Dunston, plus reinforcements in the shape of top-class players like Mbaye, Taylor, Zizic and Pollonara. The two sides are some of the top performers on the rebound and in intimidation terms. The battle in the paint is bound to be an epic. This will be the 41st encounter between them since 2002, and Real Madrid top the head-to-head 26-14. There have been play-offs, finals and great basketball moments in that time. Tonight, the latest chapter commences.
The opposition
Micic and Clyburn have put up nearly half of Ataman's team's points so far this campaign, in the absence of Larkin. They head a line-up including Beaubois, Pleiss and Dunston, plus reinforcements in the shape of top-class players like Mbaye, Taylor, Zizic and Pollonara. The two sides are some of the top performers on the rebound and in intimidation terms. The battle in the paint is bound to be an epic. This will be the 41st encounter between them since 2002, and Real Madrid top the head-to-head 26-14. There have been play-offs, finals and great basketball moments in that time. Tonight, the latest chapter commences.