After suffering back-to-back narrow home losses, Valencia (10-10) will aim to protect its vulnerable position in the all-important top 10 with the tough task of traveling to league leader Real (18-2).
Alex Mumbru, Valencia: 'We will have to do things extremely well to win'
Seasons
3 Χρόνος Ανάγνωσης
The reigning champ comfortably dismantled Bayern on Tuesday behind 18 points from big man Vincent Poirier and remains unbeaten at home all season. November's meeting at La Fonteta saw Valencia dominate early on before Real responded to win a thriller 73-76, with 17 points from Gabriel Deck enough to overcome 22 from Brandon Davies.
Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach
"I think that the key against Valencia will be to play good defsne and show good decisions on offense against one of the best defenses in the league. We must be ready to respond to any alternatives they propose because they underwent some changes and now thay have some new players. At this moment, Pangos will be in the game, Harper will play as well and I think both are determinant players. Valencia is trying to round up their roster and I think that makes them even more dangerous."
Alex Mumbru, Valencia head coach
"Real has not lost at home in the EuroLeague, it is a really solid team. They have controlled all games, with big leads against great teams. We played there a few days ago and we know of the difficulty of this game, but we will be ready to cmpete. They have one of the best point guards in the league in Campazzap, one of the best centers in Tavares and they are joined by a battery of big names like Yabusele, Hazonja, Rudy, Llull... I could go on all day. They are at a very high level on both ends and we know we will have to do things extremely well to win."
Alebrto Abalde, Real Madrid player
"I think a demanding game awaits us. We played against them not long ago in the Spanish League and we know they are tough and difficult to play against. They took a step forward at a physical level and they had some new signings since our last encounter, especially with such an important player as Pangos. We all have played many games these last days, so we will all need extra focus from the beginning."