Varese-Real Madrid: final test before Supercup
The Whites go in search of a full house of pre-season wins following victories over Benfica and Monaco (7:30pm CEST).
Real Madrid face Varese this evening in the Ciutat de Maó Tournament in what will be their last friendly of the pre-season. A week before the start of the season with the semi-finals of the Supercopa Endesa against Barcelona (Saturday, 6:30pm CEST), The Whites, coached by Chus Mateo, will be looking for their third victory in a historic encounter between two of the teams with the most European Cups in their trophy cabinets. A total of 16. Of which eleven belong to Madrid and five to the Italians.
The hometown of our captain Sergio Llull, who will be available against Monaco, will set the scene for a legendary game that forms part of a historic rivalry that reached its peak in the 1970s when Real Madrid won two European Cups (1974 and 78) and Varese two more (1975 and 76).Between 1974 and 1978 they met in four of the five finals and in that decade in two more semi-finals and three more times in the group stage. There were great clashes with Brabender, Luyk, Szczerbiak, etc. against Meneghin, Morse, Raga..., as well as unique moments such as Alocén's self-basket directed by Ferrándiz.
Today they meet again in a friendly, which will help us to continue picking up game rhythm and confidence for the start of the season. Chus Mateo will have everyone available for the first time. Varese will be looking to get back to the elite in their Lega. Managed by Luis Scola, their most outstanding player is Nico Mannion, former Baskonia player. They have a physical team and some serious young talent, so it will be a demanding test for our team which, after beating Benfica (83-67) and Monaco (77-75, are eager to finish the preseason undefeated.