Second-placed Virtus Segafredo Bologna (12-5) will look to start the new year in style with a visit from dangerous FC Bayern Munich (8-9).
Pablo Laso, Bayern: 'Virtus only team performing comparable to Real'
2023-24
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 18 of 34
Group Regular Season
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The German team has won two of its last three games, while Virtus has taken five out of six and eight in a row at home. Virtus has signed Ante Zizic to replace the injured Devontae Cacok, and could also give a first appearance in the backcourt to fellow newcomer Rihards Lomasz. Pablo Laso’s men will need to guard against the long-range shooting prowess of Marco Belinelli, who has hit multiple triples in five straight games and 13 of the last 14. Bayern thrashed Virtus 90-76 when the teams met in November behind a colossal 24 points and 13 rebounds from Serge Ibaka, and will look for another dominant performance from the big man this week.
Luca Banchi, Virtus head coach
"Our EuroLeague second half starts with a game against Bayern, a team capable of beating us by taking advantage of their physicality and presence in the paint in both halves of the court. The first leg will have to serve as a stimulus to correct the mistakes we made, and getting an impulse from the arrival of new players who are ready to make their contribution right away, while dealing with the injury emergency and allow the team to maintain the standard of performance highlighted in this first part of the season. We approach this match with toughness, discipline and awareness that Bayern will be able to put its enormous potential on the court, but it will have to find a Virtus team determined to respond to adversity with an authoritative performance, helped by the tireless support of the Virtus people."
Pablo Laso, Bayern head coach
"Our schedule is always tough, but this is certainly a very difficult week with three away games. Virtus is having a fantastic EuroLeague season, with several wins that probably weren't expected. Currently, they are the only team performing at a level comparable to Real. They have a highly experienced roster. We were able to defeat them at our place when we had a very good day. However, this time it will be even tougher."
Rihards Lomazs, Virtus player
"We analyzed the first game and got to see the mistakes we made. We have to solve the issues we had in that match. Surely our fans will also help us. It will also be my first game with Virtus, it will be hard to sleep tonight."