Real (11-1) is aiming to complete a perfect Greek week as it travels to Panathinaikos (6-6), which wants to respond after losing at Efes on Tuesday.
Chus Mateo, Real: 'We can expect Panathinaikos to be very combative'
2023-24
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 13 of 34
Regular Season
Panathinaikos AKTOR AthensPAO
7890
Real MadridRMB
Overview
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The Greens couldn’t get their offense going on Tuesday, with nobody scoring more than 13 points, and will look to Kostas Sloukas to recover his best form after netting just 6 and 9 points in the last two games. Real showed its defensive excellence by holding Olympiacos to 71 points to claim victory in Piraeus on Tuesday, while Mario Hezonja and Dzanan Musa delivered at the offensive end with 18 and 23 points, respectively. Head coach Chus Mateo's deep roster has been further strengthened by Carlos Alocen returning from injury after 22 months out. The reigning champ will be a tough nut to crack at OAKA.
Ergin Ataman, Panathinaikos head coach
"We play against the best so far in the EuroLeague at home. We want to play aggressive defense on Campazzo and Musa, that will be very important. We must control rebounds especially, we have to be careful in that aspect."
Chus Mateo, Real head coach
"I expect a very tight game with Panathinaikos, until the end, similar to what we played against Olympiacos, even though the style of the two teams is very different. We can expect Panathinaikos to be very combative, coming off its loss in Istanbul. I'm sure they'll want to make up for that loss in front of their fans."
Kostas Antetokounmpo, Panathinaikos player
"It's a challenge for us to face an excellent team like Real Madrid, who have an impressive record of wins in the competition. It will be a difficult game but we will have to show up ready and give our best. In relation to the match against Efes, we will have to improve many parts of our game. It is a great motivation for us that we will play in a packed OAKA. Our fans help us a lot and give us energy."
Gabriel Deck, Real player
"We need to approach this game fully concentrated from the first minute, putting special attention on our defense and trying to control the rebounds. On offense, we need to play with patience, looking for the best options as we did on Tuesday against Olympiacos."