Real Madrid-Virtus Bologna: all eyes on Euroleague win number three
Chus Mateo's boys host the reigning Eurocup champions (8:45pm CEST).
Real Madrid take on Virtus Bologna at the WiZink Center on Euroleague matchday five. It's the first time the two teams cross paths in Europe's top competition in almost 20 years. Our boys will be hoping to pick up a third win in the continental tournament this season, against the reigning Eurocup champions 8:45pm CEST. The game will be the first of two at home this week, the second coming on Sunday against Fuenlabrada. Hanga returns, while Causeur's name is added to the injury list.
You have to go back to the 18th of December 2002, in Bologna, to find the last of the four times the madridistas and the Italians have crossed paths in the Euroleague. Since then, they have not met again in the competition and have had differing fortunes. Following a long absence, Virtus return to the elite of European basketball, for the first time since 2007/2008, led by former madridista and Spanish national team coach, Sergio Scariolo.
You have to go back to the 18th of December 2002, in Bologna, to find the last of the four times the madridistas and the Italians have crossed paths in the Euroleague. Since then, they have not met again in the competition and have had differing fortunes. Following a long absence, Virtus return to the elite of European basketball, for the first time since 2007/2008, led by former madridista and Spanish national team coach, Sergio Scariolo.
Our team come into the clash following a convincing win over Crvena zvezda last time out 72-56. Today will be another demanding test, although Virtus have lost 3 of their 4 games to date. Madrid will have to make their strength in depth tell. Tavares, Yabusele, Musa and Deck, all in double PIR digits, are the standout men so far. The opposition have real potential, chock-full of top-level talent like Teodosic, Belinelli and Hackett. They also have Shengelia back available following an injury before Eurobasket. Lundberg, Mannion and Weems are additional threats on the outside. Inside, the Italians are physically powerful with guys like Jordan Mickey and Bako.
Madrid have felt more comfortable in defense than in offense at the start of this Euroleague campaign. They concede on average 74.5 points - restricting Crvena zvezda to just 56 their best numbers of the season. In offense they average 75.8, eleven points higher than today's opponents. Chus Mateo's team also boast superiority on the rebound, but they'll have to prove it tonight at the WiZink Center.
Madrid have felt more comfortable in defense than in offense at the start of this Euroleague campaign. They concede on average 74.5 points - restricting Crvena zvezda to just 56 their best numbers of the season. In offense they average 75.8, eleven points higher than today's opponents. Chus Mateo's team also boast superiority on the rebound, but they'll have to prove it tonight at the WiZink Center.