Real Madrid-Hapoel Tel Aviv: aiming for the 12th consecutive home victory in the EuroLeague
Our team faces the matchday 33 game without spectators at the Movistar Arena (9:00 pm CEST; Movistar Deportes).
Real Madrid hosts Hapoel Tel Aviv today in the first of two EuroLeague games within less than 48 hours at the Movistar Arena (Anadolu Efes on Thursday). A thrilling match between two direct rivals in the playoff race, which will be played without spectators as it has been deemed high-risk by the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in Sports.
An important week for Scariolo's squad in their aspirations to enter the playoffs and secure home-court advantage. Tied at 20 wins with Hapoel Tel Aviv, winning tonight would reclaim the third position and ensure the basket average in the event of a tie at the end.
Our team is the best in the EuroLeague at home. Fifteen wins in 16 games, the last 11 consecutively. They already know what it's like to play and win without spectators this season. They did so against Maccabi in January (98-86). Hapoel arrives with four victories and positive momentum. For them, winning at the Movistar Arena would be crucial as they face a very demanding end to the regular season.
Victory in the only precedent
Madrid won in the first round in Israel by 74-75 with 19 points from Hezonja, in the only precedent between the two teams in the EuroLeague. That day, our team excelled in defense. Today, they face an opponent with many resources, strong one-on-one play, and the best two-point shooting percentage in the competition (+60%). Another demanding week starts with three games, and Scariolo's squad is looking for another victory.
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.