Real madrid claims early lead in euroleague playoffs
Scariolo’s Madrid Stun Hapoel Tel Aviv in Series Opener – A narrow victory sets the stage for a brutal battle in the coming days.
A tight contest, but enough to secure the advantage
Sergio Scariolo, coach of Real Madrid, accepted the team’s triumph in the first game of the quarterfinals of the EuroLeague against Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv, considering the next one, which will be held on Friday also at the Movistar Arena, “surely more difficult”.
“For the greater part of the time we have been good on both sides of the court. Generally, considering the level, the strength, the experience of the opponent, we are pleased; it’s good to start the series 1-0. But the next game will surely be more difficult, it’s a game of great importance in a five-game series; we know that and they know it, so we have to prepare very well,” Scariolo said.
A defensive shift after tavares injury
Scariolo highlighted the work of Usman Garuba, Alex Len, and the rest of the team in the paint after the early injury of the Cape Verdean pivot Water Tavares: “I’m happy with the performance of both, of Usman and of Alex, and with the response that the team has given in general to try and keep our paint protected and capture the rebounds. I congratulate both on the game they have done and also the team that has helped them.”
Itoudis questions free throw disparity
He also referred to the words in press conference of rival coach Dimitris Itoudis, who pointed out the total difference in free throws awarded to their team and the Madrid side in the three matches they have faced this course to both teams: “We are a team all season that goes a lot to the free throw line, we have players with weight who attack the low post, who are able to penetrate. We have been all season, regardless of the opponent, going a lot to the free throw line and it is a very important part of our game plan.”
Veteran leadership and fan support
The Italian also pointed out: “We arrived at this point of the season with everyone involved, everyone in good shape, everyone knowing their role within the team, with a very good capacity to handle their egos and adapt to the times of play”. On the other hand, he highlighted the support of the subscribers, the only ones alongside the VIPs who could follow the game live in the pavilion: “I have to thank the subscribers, who have given everything they have to help the team. Let’s hope that on Friday it will be more, because the number of our subscribers is still superior and we count on them to come all”.
Madrid’s early victory underscores the challenges ahead as they head into a pivotal second contest.