Zalgiris-Real Madrid: first of three EuroLeague away games
Laso’s charges go in search of a win in Kaunas as they bid to edge closer to securing a playoff spot (7pm CET).
The last game of February signals the start of a gruelling run of fixtures that will see Real Madrid play 12 matches in the space of 36 days. Eight of these will be in the EuroLeague Regular Season, where the Whites, who are joint-top of the competition with 20 victories from 25 matchups, will be bidding to secure a playoff spot as soon as possible. The team must now face three consecutive away games, the first will be today in Kaunas against a Zalgiris side who are tough to beat on their home court. Madrid’s task has been made tougher as Rudy joins Alocén and Causeur on the injury list for the clash.
March will see Madrid visit CSKA, Crvena zvezda in the rearranged game from round 20, Anadolu Efes, Maccabi and Panathinaikos, and a win this afternoon at the Zalgirio Arena would mean a huge step towards the team’s first objective, which is to make it into the top eight. Despite the disruption caused by the whirlwind of games postponed due to COVID-19, this goal is firmly within the team’s sights. The madridistas have nine games left and eight wins more than ninth-placed Fenerbahçe. Madrid are vying to get back to winning ways and go into the clash on a run of eight wins from their last ten Euroleague matchups. Meanwhile, the Lithuanians sit bottom of the table with a record of four wins and 19 defeats, although they did emerge victorious at Monaco, who are tough to beat at home, in the previous round of fixtures.
March will see Madrid visit CSKA, Crvena zvezda in the rearranged game from round 20, Anadolu Efes, Maccabi and Panathinaikos, and a win this afternoon at the Zalgirio Arena would mean a huge step towards the team’s first objective, which is to make it into the top eight. Despite the disruption caused by the whirlwind of games postponed due to COVID-19, this goal is firmly within the team’s sights. The madridistas have nine games left and eight wins more than ninth-placed Fenerbahçe. Madrid are vying to get back to winning ways and go into the clash on a run of eight wins from their last ten Euroleague matchups. Meanwhile, the Lithuanians sit bottom of the table with a record of four wins and 19 defeats, although they did emerge victorious at Monaco, who are tough to beat at home, in the previous round of fixtures.
On paper, Real Madrid go into the clash as firm favourites, if statistics are anything to go by, as the side averages nine more points and concedes seven fewer than the opposition. This season, Zalgiris have struggled both in attack and defence, but they are certain to be highly competitive and the team´s experience will, along with the vibrant atmosphere in their arena, provide a much needed boost. Pablo Laso’s charges boast the second best defence 72.1 and the best rebounding numbers 38.1 in the competition, and these aspects will be crucial against a team whose national players - Lekavicius, Kalnietis, Ulanovas and Strelnieks to name a few – combined with top quality North Americans Cavanaugh and Nebo, pose a real threat to Madrid.
Madrid come out on top in previous meetings
This will be the 26th time the two teams have faced each other in the EuroLeague, with Real Madrid winning 22-3. The Whites have claimed victory in their last four encounters with the Lithuanians, the last time they went head-to-head in Kaunas was in November 2020. On that day, Laso's men ran out 90-93 winners with a spectacular display from Tavares, who racked up 34 points. Our team will have to rediscover its form once again. The Copa del Rey has taken its toll on the players in terms of injuries Alocén, Causeur and Rudy. In the reverse fixture at the WiZink Center Madrid clinched a 95-82 victory.
Madrid come out on top in previous meetings
This will be the 26th time the two teams have faced each other in the EuroLeague, with Real Madrid winning 22-3. The Whites have claimed victory in their last four encounters with the Lithuanians, the last time they went head-to-head in Kaunas was in November 2020. On that day, Laso's men ran out 90-93 winners with a spectacular display from Tavares, who racked up 34 points. Our team will have to rediscover its form once again. The Copa del Rey has taken its toll on the players in terms of injuries Alocén, Causeur and Rudy. In the reverse fixture at the WiZink Center Madrid clinched a 95-82 victory.