By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Coach Pablo Laso has noted that, despite being up 2-0, Real Madrid is expecting a tough Game 3 against Maccabi in Tel Aviv as they tend to be more aggressive at home in front of their own crowd.
“From the first day I said that a very tough playoff awaited us. For us it is a new and different game. In a EuroLeague quarterfinal tie, when a game ends, you have to forget about what has happened before and focus on what is coming. There are always changes and different tactical situations,” Laso said and added.
“We play away from home on a very difficult pitch. A great atmosphere awaits us in Tel Aviv. Maccabi plays very well on his court with the support of his fans, something that enhances his style, which is very aggressive offensively. We will have to do a lot of things well in order to win.”
Some good news was revealed in the meantime. According to Pilar Casado, Gabriel Deck has traveled to Tel Aviv with the team after testing negative for COVID-19 which has kept him sidelined through the first two games.
Deck’s teammate Vincent Poirier who had a huge display in Game 2, echoed Laso’s words and gave much praise to Maccabi’s fans.
“I expect a very physical and demanding match in all aspects. The Menora Mivtachim Arena is a very difficult field, the Maccabi fans push hard and cheer on their team tirelessly. We are going to find a much more aggressive Maccabi with much more energy. For them, playing at home is a plus and makes them much more dangerous. We have to stay together as a team, be aggressive from the start, be very focused during the 40 minutes and show that we’re going to give everything to win.”