Real Madrid-Panathinaikos: big match at the WiZink Center
The two teams face each other again in a rematch of last year's EuroLeague final (8.45 pm CEST).
This evening, the WiZink Center will host arguably the hottest game in Europe. Last year's two finalists meet again in Madrid on matchday four of the EuroLeague. Real Madrid will be bidding to record their second win in the competition against Panathinaikos and maintain their unbeaten run after last week's victory over Partizan.
A tremendous game is in store to round off this week's EuroLeague double-header. Campazzo, one of the cornerstones of the Madrid team, will be back from suspension. Llull and Musa proved in Vitoria that, without Feliz, they can serve as a reliable replacement in the leadership role. The win at the Buesa Arena escaped the Madridistas in the last minute, but they improved significantly in defence compared to previous games. In addition, Tavares was once again influential in the zone (14 points, 15 rebounds and 29 in PIR). If Madrid are to win today, they will need everyone to be at their best. They face opposition that is even stronger than last year, with the addition of three top players in Lorenzo Brown, Cedi Osman and Yurtseven, the latter two coming from the NBA.
These are two teams with vast attacking resources, which means that the defensive aspect of the game will be crucial. Panathinaikos go into the clash having just lost to Paris Basketball. The Madridistas' level of concentration must be at its utmost and victory will be achieved by controlling the basics such as defence, turnovers and rebounding against a physically demanding opponent close to the hoop and with dynamic players. The WiZink Center will be the venue of the greatest European nights dedicated to guiding the team to victory.
Madrid looking to maintain strong home form
A win for the Whites would see the team overtake the Greek side and keep climbing up the standings in a EuroLeague which is expected to be very tight. Maintaining a stronghold at the WiZink Center will be important if Madrid are to stay at the top of the table. This evening's clash will be a huge test in that respect. Between them, the two teams have won 18 European Cups (11 for Madrid and 7 for Panathinaikos), with Madrid winning 25-13.