Real Madrid-Olympiacos: gunning for a win to keep up playoff hopes.

Real Madrid can no longer afford to slip up. If they want to reach the Final Four in Abu Dhabi, they must win their three remaining games against Olympiacos. The first of which takes place today in a series that moves to the Movistar Arena, where our team will be looking to win and force a fourth game. This is tantamount to a final for Chus Mateo's team, but this time on home turf and in a venue that has hosted many great European nights. It is a challenge they already overcame two seasons ago to take the European title.

To achieve victory tonight, Madrid will need to be consistent and maintain their intensity throughout the game. Last Thursday, they had a great first quarter but dropped off in the second. That emboldened an opponent that is proving to be solid. It will also be necessary for more players to contribute to the scoring. Hezonja (17.5 points) and Campazzo (12.5) are the only players with double digits in the series. And it will be crucial to reduce turnovers (18.5).

For Olympiacos, the trio of Vezenkov (22.5 points), Fournier (15 points) and Milutinov (10.5) are producing more than 60% of their scoring. Reducing their numbers will be another factor in securing victory. In terms of rebounding, Madrid has won both games, but that needs to be transformed into greater dominance in the paint.

Two years later
Madrid is in the same situation as in the 2022/23 season when they had to come back from a 2-0 deficit against Partizan in the playoffs. They lost the first two games at home but rallied to win the next two in Belgrade and complete an unprecedented comeback in the fifth game. This time, they will have the support of their fans to help them level a very difficult tie.