Faltering FC Barcelona (11-6) will look to recover from three defeats in its last four games with the tough assignment of overcoming fierce rival, reigning champ and runaway league leader Real Madrid (16-1).
Nicolas Laprovittola, Barca: 'There's a lot for us to win in this game'
2023-24
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 18 of 34
Regular Season
FC BarcelonaBAR
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Real MadridRMB
Overview
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Mario Hezonja will attempt to damage his former team after being named December's league MVP, with Real seeking to complete a season sweep over the Blaugrana after edging the Round 5 meeting 65-64. A key backcourt battle will take place between Argentine international teammates Nico Laprovíttola, who leads Barca with 14.2 points per game, and the league's top ranked assister Facu Campazzo (7.0 per game). In the paint, Barca’s Jan Vesely and Willy Hernangomez will attempt to subdue Walter Tavares and Vincent Poirier, who combined for 33 points and 19 rebounds in last week’s win at ASVEL.
Roger Grimau, Barcelona head coach
"I don't like speculate whether this opponent or another would be best for us right now. Madrid is the opponent we have to face and therefore the best rival we can have for the situation we are in now. We are going to be very motivated, very prepared and with lots of excitement to live one of those magic nights in Palau Blaugrana."
Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach
"We respect all our rivals regardless of what their name is. To respect the work we do daily we must always respect the opponent, although obviously FC Barcelona is a great team with many virtues and a great club. Tomorrow we will try to play our game because we like to do our job well and we will try to continue doing it that way."
Nicolas Laprovittola, Barcelona player
"It's a very important game in which we can win a lot of things. For us, it's a game in which we have more to play for than Madrid tomorrow. We have to start with a very strong mentality, considering how they are playing this year. We have to even it up, right, with a little more mental strength. And we have to try during 40 minutes to play our game, but I think there's a lot for us to win in this game."
Mario Hezonja, Real Madrid forward
"We're ok. We have finished December in good shape and this helps us start January with good feelings. We have to treat this FC Barcelona – Real Madrid match as just another match, which is what we have always done: face it with the utmost respect for our rival, concentrating one hundred percent on the match and preparing it in the best way to try to win. It is always difficult to play at the Palau. Beating a great team at home is always difficult and that is what I hope for tomorrow's game."