Chus Mateo: “We controlled the game and I'm pleased with the victory”

Real Madrid coach Chus Mateo analysed his side’s victory away against Gran Canaria to book their place in the league playoff semi-finals: “It was a very close game, especially in the first half with both teams exchanging baskets. We weren't very solid defensively and that meant we were level at half-time. In the second half, we defended better, we showed our ability to run and we managed to hit three-pointers. We took an important but not definitive lead because Gran Canaria upped their game. Towards the end, we were good and we closed out the game. I'm pleased because we've beaten a strong team and we've reached the semi-finals. They've had an extraordinary year and I'd like to congratulate them on that.”
 
“It's a highly competitive league and we're going to be up against opponents who have played really well in the quarter-finals and are in top form. It won't be easy and we have to be very watchful. Today, some of our players looked a bit tired. We've been demanding a lot of them in the last few days, but we're ambitious. We had some good moments and winning here isn't easy. Overall, we controlled the match.”
 
On Musa
“He's playing great offensively and at the back he's made a tremendous effort, because he's had to defend one of Gran Canaria's best scorers. He's a key player for us. He has to continue in that same vein. I'm delighted with his work and the way he's helping his teammates to improve for the team.”

Management of Tavares
“He's been playing a lot of minutes in a position where he's very crucial. You can see that he's someone we need and when he's a bit tired, the team feels it too. He's performing at an unbelievable level and we want to keep him fresh for the next three weeks. We have to look after him as much as possible because he is essential. It's 12 wins in a row and it's not easy to sustain that level in the competitions we play.”
 
Semi-final
“It's difficult to surprise in this league. The eight playoff teams have performed at a high level during the season. Joventut play very good basketball and have beaten a top team in Baskonia. We'll need to keep up the competitive tension and we want to go as far as we can. We're going to give it everything we've got. They won't make it easy for us. We're in great form at the moment and we have to take advantage of that. But it's not just about confidence, we have to keep doing things right.”