Real Madrid-Zalgiris: EuroLeague returns to WiZink Center
The Whites go in search of their 17th win in the last match of February (8:45pm CET).
Real Madrid are back in EuroLeague action this evening as they entertain Zalgiris Kaunas in round 25. They will do so at the WiZink Center, where they have not competed in Europe since 1 February against Panathinaikos, with the objective of securing a victory that will cement their place towards the top of the standings. They currently sit in second position, one game and one win behind Olympiacos. Their opponents are in ninth place and will be keen to stay within touching distance of the playoff places.
The madridistas face another crucial clash after the break for the Copa del Rey. In the EuroLeague they have racked up three wins Barça, Panathinaikos and Monaco. The encounter against Monaco was their last game in this competition as the fixture against Anadolu Efes on matchday 24 was postponed due to the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Zalgiris were in action and beat Baskonia, ending a run of three defeats in a row.
The madridistas face another crucial clash after the break for the Copa del Rey. In the EuroLeague they have racked up three wins Barça, Panathinaikos and Monaco. The encounter against Monaco was their last game in this competition as the fixture against Anadolu Efes on matchday 24 was postponed due to the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Zalgiris were in action and beat Baskonia, ending a run of three defeats in a row.
Chus Mateo will be without Llull, while Rudy is gradually getting back up to speed with the group, and the coach will have to use the full depth of his squad to put on a strong display against the Lithuanian outfit. Madrid will certainly have to keep a close eye on rebounding, where Zalgiris are powerful, primarily on the offensive end of the court. The visitors are also a team excelling more in defence than in attack, averaging almost 10 points less than Madrid 84 vs. 75.9. Without the injured Evans and Taylor in doubt, the side's core is made up of Brazdeikis, Ulanovas, Smits and Hayes. Regarding the first round of fixtures, they have also added Polonara to their roster. The madridistas currently lead the charts in rebounds and are second in points against, with Tavares, Deck, Musa and Yabusele averaging double digits in PIR.
All to play for in March
This will be the 28th time the two teams have gone head-to-head in the EuroLeague. In the previous fixture in this edition, they triumphed 81-72 on their home court, but Madrid boast a 22-5 record. This game will mark the end of the month and March will be pivotal for the upcoming playoffs. The Whites will be playing 8 of the 10 remaining EuroLeague fixtures, four at home and another four on the road. Together with the four league clashes, they will play 12 games in 29 days. Real Madrid will attempt to head into the game with a 17th European victory in their sights.
All to play for in March
This will be the 28th time the two teams have gone head-to-head in the EuroLeague. In the previous fixture in this edition, they triumphed 81-72 on their home court, but Madrid boast a 22-5 record. This game will mark the end of the month and March will be pivotal for the upcoming playoffs. The Whites will be playing 8 of the 10 remaining EuroLeague fixtures, four at home and another four on the road. Together with the four league clashes, they will play 12 games in 29 days. Real Madrid will attempt to head into the game with a 17th European victory in their sights.