Laso: “I'm delighted with the victory because they’re a really tough side”
“The start in the third quarter was crucial”, said Causeur after his side’s victory against Bitci Baskonia.
Pablo Laso and two of the star performers in Real Madrid’s win against Bitci Baskonia spoke after the first semi-final clash played at the WiZink Center. The coach was pleased with his team’s display: “We knew it would be a tough game against an opponent that’s always there and that drives at a constant pace. Our best spell was at the start of the third quarter, which is when we built up a lead. I'm delighted with the victory”.
“Llull wasn't right and we preferred to save him. We’ll see how he is for Saturday and I think Juan Núñez did a great job in the first half. Then we covered him with Causeur, who played brilliantly, with Hanga... Abalde is also out. Let's see what we're like for Saturday”.
Causeur: “It was important to win the first match”
“We’re pleased with the win. It was a hard game and it's always important to win the first one, but the tie’s only just begun and it's a five-game series. We have a few extra players out, but we have to recover for the second game because Baskonia are such a dangerous team. We saw that today. We have to be consistent”.
“Llull wasn't right and we preferred to save him. We’ll see how he is for Saturday and I think Juan Núñez did a great job in the first half. Then we covered him with Causeur, who played brilliantly, with Hanga... Abalde is also out. Let's see what we're like for Saturday”.
Causeur: “It was important to win the first match”
“We’re pleased with the win. It was a hard game and it's always important to win the first one, but the tie’s only just begun and it's a five-game series. We have a few extra players out, but we have to recover for the second game because Baskonia are such a dangerous team. We saw that today. We have to be consistent”.
“Everyone has to contribute. We’re Real Madrid and when one player can't play, another has to come in and perform better. Mentally, it was important to win. We also have to win on Saturday because we're playing at home. Laso told us at half-time that we were playing poorly. He was right. We felt that they were in control of the tempo of the game. The start in the third quarter was crucial. We hit them hard in defence”.
Tavares: “We have to remain focussed the whole game”
“They’re a tough team to beat and we have to remain focused for the whole game. Winning the first game is really important, but we have to get another result on Saturday to ensure that we continue to have home advantage. The plan is bound to change for the second game. Every match is tough and it's going to be a tight one”.
Injuries
“We have to keep focused and not make excuses. We have to carry on until the end and every team suffers losses. We’re satisfied with the game but there’s still a long way to go”.
Tavares: “We have to remain focussed the whole game”
“They’re a tough team to beat and we have to remain focused for the whole game. Winning the first game is really important, but we have to get another result on Saturday to ensure that we continue to have home advantage. The plan is bound to change for the second game. Every match is tough and it's going to be a tight one”.
Injuries
“We have to keep focused and not make excuses. We have to carry on until the end and every team suffers losses. We’re satisfied with the game but there’s still a long way to go”.