Virtus Bologna-Real Madrid: all eyes on a win to stay in the playoff fight

This evening sees Real Madrid head to play one of just three away games left in this EuroLeague campaign - indeed, only six Regular Season clashes remain. Our boys need to pick up points on the road if they're to stay in the fight for a playoff spot, as they currently sit two wins short. Up the other end will be a Virtus Bologna outfit who are already out of the race.
Six games, six cup finals for Real Madrid. They're one victory away from sealing a place in the play-in, and two off sixth place, so Chus Mateo's boys will be hoping to rise up the table with a win in Bologna, where they have triumphed on their last two visits. With other teams facing direct rivals this round, victory tonight would represent a big step in the right direction.
The Italians will be playing with the pressure off as they try to seal and eighth win of the campaign and break a run of six defeats on the bounce. Clyburn's absence has been a significant factor in this streak, given his importance to the team alongside Cordinier and Shengelia, while Morgan and Belinelli also pose a real threat. Madrid will have to take advantage of their strength in depth and rediscover their range from the outside, while imposing themselves inside through Tavares, who was recently named among the top 25 players in the competition's history. Bruno Fernando and Garuba are enjoying some fine form too, the latter fresh from spearheading the win over UCAM Murcia on Sunday.
Strong run against the Italians
This will be the tenth clash between the two teams in the EuroLeague, and our boys edge the head-to-head  5-4. Last year, Chus Mateo's team won both games, while they also came out on top 98-86 this season at the Movistar Arena. They showed their strength as a unit that night, with five players in double digits, led by Hezonja (20).