Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach
"We have done well since the start of the season [in the Spanish Super Cup and the Spanish League] and we are now starting a new competition that we are always eager to play. The EuroLeague is very attractive for us; both for the team and the fans. We are facing a new Panathinaikos side, with players that have played in the EuroBasket and who are looking to create a new project in Athens. They have some players that were there already last year and who are important, like [Georgios] Papagiannis. They are probably eager to start this EuroLeague season at home, too. We know how they play at OAKA: their drive, the huge defensive activity they can show at some points in the game. There are a few things that you take for granted when you travel to Athens, and one of them is the need to be concentrated 100 percent if you want to fight for the win."
Sergio Llull, Real Madrid player
"Our motivation to play the EuroLeague is clear. Everyone in the team wants to start the new season in this league and play hard to be in another Final Four when May comes around. We expect a tough game in Athens. Panathinaikos has made some good signings; they are practically a new team with very good players and, with those engaged fans at OAKA, we know that a hard game awaits us. We will try to do our thing, keeping control of the pace to have a chance to win and start on the right foot."