Real Madrid secured its 11th Turkish Airlines EuroLeague crown last season after defying the odds time and time again en route to becoming the champion. With the majority of the roster having returned, Los Blancos appear to be even stronger entering the 2023-24 season after adding star guard Facu Campazzo to their array of options.
One player who is set to play a key role for Real once again is Final Four MVP Walter Tavares, who posted a double-double in both the semifinal and championship game. The 31-year-old is better than ever and he seems primed to be among the contenders to win the EuroLeague MVP prize, having been named to the All-EuroLeague First Team in each of the last three seasons.
There's also Real's famed trio of veterans – Sergio Llull, Sergio Rodriguez and Rudy Fernandez – who all came up clutch for Real in the final part of last season. Elsewhere, star forwards Dzanan Musa, Gabriel Deck, Mario Hezonja and Guerschon Yabusele are ready to do damage in the EuroLeague again as Real looks to retain its EuroLeague title.
By adding Campazzo into the mix, Real has a go-to floor general that is ready to wow fans at WiZink Center in his second spell at the club. Campazzo returned to the EuroLeague midway through last season and reminded everyone of his quality, posting 15.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.9 steals in nine games for Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.
Real Madrid's start to the season
Chus Mateo's team begin the game with two games on the road, as Real face Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in Round 1 before taking on Anadolu Efes Istanbul in a repeat of the 2022 championship game. Then, Los Blancos have three straight home fixtures against Zalgiris Kaunas, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan and FC Barcelona at WiZink Center. In particular, the visit of the Mirotic-led Milan prior to playing a new-look Barca in El Clásico should bring plenty of intrigue from basketball fans across the globe.