Mónaco-Real Madrid: demanding Euroleague outing

Real Madrid have seven important days coming up in the Euroleague with three consecutive away games against Monaco today and Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahce next week. They visit third-placed Monaco this evening, looking to continue their good run of form in January and secure what would be their tenth win in 11 games.

A big game in Monaco with two teams who were in the playoff places before the start of the day and who are only separated by one win. The home side (14-9) halted a run of three consecutive defeats against Virtus Bologna, while Madrid (13-10) won at Baskonia with Hezonja's three-pointer (90-89) and boast seven wins in their last eight games in the Euroleague. This month, 9 out of 10, taking into account league action.

The game will be different to the one played last December at the Movistar Arena, where the madridistas won with a resounding 94-72. At the end of the third quarter they had the game wrapped up with a +30 advantage. This time, La Salle Gaston Medecin will be heavily behind their team and will also have Okobo, who was missing that day. The Frenchman is, along with Mike James and Diallo, the offensive reference of a team that stands out for its physical strength and its offensive presence, the second best in the competition (87.5). Madrid have won two out of the three times they have played there.

Looking ahead to the Cup
Chus Mateo' s Whites are also a powerful offensive force. In the 10 games played in January, they averaged 92.2 points. In addition, Bruno Fernando could make his debut today. At the moment, before the Copa del Rey, the Whites will play 5 games in 15 days, one every three days (Monaco, Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahce in Euroleague; Joventut and Hiopos Lleida in LaLiga). It will be the eighth match against Monaco, with a favourable balance for the madridistas at 5-2.