Real Madrid-Maccabi: a European classic for Three Kings Day
Chus Mateo’s men are in action at the WiZink Center and go in search of an eleventh EuroLeague victory (8.45pm CET).
Basketball fans are in for a seasonal treat on Three Kings Day, as Real Madrid take on Maccabi at the WiZink Center in round 17 of the EuroLeague. This legendary rivalry dates back to the 1960s in the European Cup and tonight’s matchup will be the teams’ 68th meeting, their 35th in the EuroLeague. Chus Mateo’s men, who have racked up one more win than the Israelis, will be looking to secure their first victory of the year in the competition to remain in the top spots in the evenly balanced standings.
This is the madridistas’ second of three outings this week, before Sunday’s clash against Gran Canaria 12.30pm CET at the WiZink Center, barely 48 hours later. This evening the Whites go head-to-head with an inform outfit, who have picked up four wins from their last five matches. Madrid will be vying to put together a run of good results to climb into first place in the table, from which they are just one victory away, while only three wins separate the top ten teams in the competition.
This is the madridistas’ second of three outings this week, before Sunday’s clash against Gran Canaria 12.30pm CET at the WiZink Center, barely 48 hours later. This evening the Whites go head-to-head with an inform outfit, who have picked up four wins from their last five matches. Madrid will be vying to put together a run of good results to climb into first place in the table, from which they are just one victory away, while only three wins separate the top ten teams in the competition.
The Whites go into the clash boasting a better record in both attack and defence than their opponents, but only just. One key factor will be rebounding, with Madrid ranking better overall, but Maccabi are stronger on the offensive side. Meanwhile, a gruelling battle is in store in the paint and Tavares, Poirier, Cornelie and company will have to be on the alert to contain the likes of Nebo and Poythress under the hoop. The visitors also pose a real threat with Lorenzo Brown 18.1 points on average and from the three-point line with Baldwin IV, Hilliard and Colson, to name a few. For the Whites, the Cape Verdean center heads the team in PIR 17.6 along with Deck 16.7 and Musa 15.8.
Previous meetings favour Madrid
The head-to-head record since 2000 favours Real Madrid, who have prevailed in 22 of the 34 matches they have been involved in. Chus Mateo's troops will be looking to continue their run of three wins in a row against Maccabi, who have not claimed victory on Madrid's home court since March 2010. Dating back to the European Cup, this will be the 68th meeting between the two clubs, the most repeated encounter in the history of the competition.
Previous meetings favour Madrid
The head-to-head record since 2000 favours Real Madrid, who have prevailed in 22 of the 34 matches they have been involved in. Chus Mateo's troops will be looking to continue their run of three wins in a row against Maccabi, who have not claimed victory on Madrid's home court since March 2010. Dating back to the European Cup, this will be the 68th meeting between the two clubs, the most repeated encounter in the history of the competition.