Panathinaikos-Real Madrid: all eyes on a double in Athens inside 48 hours

Real Madrid close out their Greek double-header this week with a visit to Panathinaikos in Round 13 of the EuroLeague. Chus Mateo's team got the better of Olympiacos on the road on Tuesday and will now be looking to really make a statement and consolidate top spot against one of the big Final Four candidates, especially given their signings in the off-season.

After coming through the first test in Athens with flying colours, tonight promises another tough clash. It comes against a EuroLeague giant once more, a team looking to return to the elite this season, with players in the ranks of the likes of Grant, Grigonis, Mitoglou, Sloukas, Nunn, Vildoza, Lessort, Balcerowski, Guy and Juancho Hernangómez (who misses out today through injury). The Greeks have lost their last two games, but have picked up four wins on the bounce at home.

Our boys have been victorious in 11 of their 12 EuroLeague games so far and boast the best offense and defense in the competition, as well as sitting top of the charts for PIR, defensive rebounds, assists and blocks. What's more, any one of the team can step up and lead. Musa (23 points and 5 triples) and Hezonja (18 and 10 rebounds) were the key men against Olympiacos on Tuesday.

Good run against Panathinaikos
The head-to-head between the two teams has provided some truly unforgettable moments for madridismo, including the 2018 playoff comeback on Llull's return from injury, Rudy's buzzer-beater in Athens to win in 2019. This will be the 36th time the two teams cross paths and so far, it's a favourable record for the madridistas at 24-11, including 15 wins in the last 16 games. Tonight, Madrid will be hoping to round of a perfect trip to Athens.