Real Madrid- Crvena Zvezda: second EuroLeague match in the space of 48 hours
Chus Mateo’s men go in search of their first victory at home in the competition (8:45 pm CET).
Real Madrid are half way through a week which will see them play three games in the space of five days. Tonight’s clash against Crvena Zvezda will be the second of a EuroLeague double-header after Wednesday’s defeat to Olympiacos. The Whites will be vying to record their second victory in the competition and get off the mark at the WiZink Center.
The madridistas barely have time to rest ahead of EuroLeague round four after such a physically demanding game under 48 hours before. Tonight’s clash will be no different as Chus Mateo’s troops go head-to-head with a team that plays at high intensity, with a blend of youth and experience, that will be going into the matchup with the motivation to chalk up their first win of the competition. The visitors lost by more than ten points against Anadolu Efes and Baskonia but came close to beating Panathinaikos. Madrid have not had the most favourable of starts, with the team’s two defeats by the narrowest of margins in the final seconds.
The statistics indicate that the Whites score as many points as they concede 77. Crvena Zvezda fail to score 70 points in attack and in defence they concede an average of 80, something that Madrid will have to take advantage of. They will have to improve offensively and play with the same intensity as in the league, where they average around 90 points per game. In the EuroLeague, Madrid have been shooting good percentages from three-point range 37.7%. Rebounding will be another crucial aspect, as the Serbians are one of the best in the competition 37.
The madridistas barely have time to rest ahead of EuroLeague round four after such a physically demanding game under 48 hours before. Tonight’s clash will be no different as Chus Mateo’s troops go head-to-head with a team that plays at high intensity, with a blend of youth and experience, that will be going into the matchup with the motivation to chalk up their first win of the competition. The visitors lost by more than ten points against Anadolu Efes and Baskonia but came close to beating Panathinaikos. Madrid have not had the most favourable of starts, with the team’s two defeats by the narrowest of margins in the final seconds.
The statistics indicate that the Whites score as many points as they concede 77. Crvena Zvezda fail to score 70 points in attack and in defence they concede an average of 80, something that Madrid will have to take advantage of. They will have to improve offensively and play with the same intensity as in the league, where they average around 90 points per game. In the EuroLeague, Madrid have been shooting good percentages from three-point range 37.7%. Rebounding will be another crucial aspect, as the Serbians are one of the best in the competition 37.
Defence
The opposition have talented players, many of whom are from the Serbian side's academy. They move the ball well in attack and boast two quality point guards who carry the offensive firepower of the team, Dobric and Ivanovic, given the absence of Nedovic, one of their star signings. The other, Vildoza, could make his first appearance today. They have also bolstered their roster in the paint: Martin, Petrusev, Bentil, Holland and Raduljica will join Mitrovic and ex-Madrid player Kuzmic. Madrid are the most intimidating team in the competition with five blocks on average. Musa, Deck and Tavares averaging 11 points each have led the pack at the start of the season. This will be the fourteenth time they have met since 2000 with a record of 8-5 in Madrid's favour.
The opposition have talented players, many of whom are from the Serbian side's academy. They move the ball well in attack and boast two quality point guards who carry the offensive firepower of the team, Dobric and Ivanovic, given the absence of Nedovic, one of their star signings. The other, Vildoza, could make his first appearance today. They have also bolstered their roster in the paint: Martin, Petrusev, Bentil, Holland and Raduljica will join Mitrovic and ex-Madrid player Kuzmic. Madrid are the most intimidating team in the competition with five blocks on average. Musa, Deck and Tavares averaging 11 points each have led the pack at the start of the season. This will be the fourteenth time they have met since 2000 with a record of 8-5 in Madrid's favour.