A big clash at the top of the standings sees unbeaten leader Real (5-0) welcome red-hot Virtus (5-1), which has won five in a row behind.
Luca Banchi, Virtus: 'A match that is certainly complex but equally fascinating'
Seasons
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 7 of 34
Group Regular Season
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October MVP Toko Shengelia of Virtus will face a fearsome showdown with the dynamic Guerschon Yabusele if he, as expected, returns from injury on Friday night. Those two stars will play a big part in the battle for inside dominance, with Real ranking third in two-point shooting accuracy (57.3%) while Virtus is second (57.6%). In-form Real big man Vincent Poirier (12.6 ppg., 5.6 rpg.) and Virtus veteran Jordan Mickey (12.0 ppg., 5.3 rpg.) will also be pivotal in what is sure to be a very physical contest.
Chus Mateo, Real Madrid head coach
"Virtus is playing at a high level. It is a great team that is very well-coached, they are making the right choices and they have quality players who are determinant. They punish the mistakes of the opponent, they crash the boards and they shoot well. They play with rhythmand they are solid on defense. Virtus has averything you could ask of a team and I think soon they will be a major candidate to make the playoffs. The consistency they are showing makes one thing that it will make things difficult for us."
Luca Banchi, Virtus head coach
"We are on the eve of a match that is certainly complex but equally fascinating. Facing Real Madrid, so far undefeated in both the EuroLeague and ACB, gives us the motivation to try to take our level of competition to extremes. We will have to try to play a very consistent and, above all, continuous game to try to narrow the gaps as well, not only of a technical nature, but also from a physical standpoint. This is a team that has changed very little, resting on very clear references, and the addition of Campazzo has brought additional talent to a roster that was already extraordinary in itself, as evidenced by the successes achieved last season. Facing the defending champions will be one more reason to experience a special evening where we count on presenting a Virtus worthy of this stage."
Rudy Fernandez, Real Madrid player
"Virtus is playing really well and we know about their quality. We are lucky to arrive to this game in a good moment and to play at home. We are satisfied with our start to the season, but there's a long way ahead of us and we must keep improving. Now we have to focus on this game. Virtus is a very dynamic team and they took a step forward on defense relative to last season. They are playing great team basketball."
Toko Shengelia, Virtus player
"Real Madrid has experienced players and champions on their roster like Llull, Rodriguez and Fernandez but in general they have players who have the character to win games and titles. Then on court a player like Tavares who conditions the game especially in defense. We right now are at a good level but we have to continue, indeed try to improve starting with tomorrow night's game."