After Olympiacos’ 2-0 lead at SEF, the Euroleague playoff series against Real Madrid has moved to Madrid.
Giorgos Bartzokas’ team will play at 22:00 in Madrid, and a win would bring them to 3-0, which means they will qualify for the Final Four to be held in Abu Dhabi from May 23 to 25.
Olympiacos will be without Evan Fournier (hematoma on the right ankle), Tyler Dorsey (hamstring strain in the right biceps), and Keenan Evans.
On the other hand, Real Madrid is at full strength and will be looking for a home victory to reduce the series to 2-1 and set up another game on Friday in the Spanish capital.
When asked how Olympiacos will approach Game 3, Giorgos Bartzokas stated: “We will try to be defensively better than in the first ten minutes of the last game, to be cohesive, to play for the win, and to overcome some minor injury problems that have arisen, but we hope they won’t cost us the presence of the players.”
Regarding the differences Real exhibits when playing at home, he remarked: “I don’t think it differs for any team. They are a talented team with great experience, and the crowd is particularly demanding, but this happens in all arenas across Europe now. We had the chance to win there during the regular season while generally playing well. We need to repeat that. We have to be sufficiently to very good to win; there’s no other way. We need to take advantage of whatever Real gives us in this match and manage our emotions as always, not to get overly excited or disheartened at points in the game that require it.”
On the other hand, Chus Mateo said: “Of course, we can beat them. I am convinced that we can do it. If we play correctly, as we have done recently, we will have the chance. Every game is unique and special. I believe in a comeback. The only thing I would not tolerate is a lack of fighting spirit. Our goal, desire, effort, and dedication cannot be questioned. That is essential. Can we get to the Final Four? Of course, we can. Without any doubt. There is the same excitement, the same hope, and the same faith that we have always had.”
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