Real Madrid, At Home, Faces A Panathinaikos In Crisis

Real Madrid, at home, faces a Panathinaikos in crisis

The white team, the worst visitor in the top ten of the Euroleague, visits Athens in a match marked by tension in the Greek club.

Real Madrid is preparing for a crucial challenge this Tuesday, facing Panathinaikos in their home stadium. The whites, who hold the dubious honor of being the worst visiting team in the top ten of the Euroleague, thus begin a week with two consecutive exits.

The Greek team comes to this match in a moment of deep upheaval. After their recent league defeat against Aris Thessaloniki, the club's owner, Dimitris Giannakopoulos, has launched a forceful public request: players and coaching staff should “resign” from their positions.

It is not the first time that Panathinaikos has crossed the path of Real Madrid in decisive instances. In fact, it was the Hellenes who deprived the whites of the European title in the 2024 final. In the current Euroleague season, Ergin Ataman's team has proven to be a tough nut to crack at the Movistar Arena, being the only one capable of storming the Madrid court on November 13 with a score of 77-87.

However, the last few weeks have not been easy for Panathinaikos. Despite their solid position in the Greek league, where they are second, Giannakopoulos' criticism has sown a climate of uncertainty. The owner used his social networks to express his discontent, calling for the resignation of coaches and players: “Coaches, assistant coaches, you have no idea where you play, eh? This is Panathinaikos. I hope that when you return to Athens, if you have the decency to return, you all resign. And all the players together.”

This statement, full of drama, comes at a delicate time for the team, which has seen how its performance in Europe has faltered in its last seven games, with four defeats. Two of them at home, against Olympiacos and Olimpia Milan, and two others as a visitor, against Maccabi and Bayern Munich.

For its part, Real Madrid concluded January with a notable improvement in its game and consolidating its strength at home. The Movistar Arena has witnessed important victories against rivals of the caliber of Dubai, Maccabi, Barça, Valencia Basket and Monaco. However, the pending issue continues to be performance at home.

Sergio Scariolo's men are once again facing their Achilles heel, after losing in their last outing against Paris Basketball. With a balance of four wins and eight losses, they are confirmed as the team with the worst away results within the top ten of the competition.

Despite these statistics, Real Madrid remains in a creditable fifth position in the table, with a record of 16 wins and 9 losses, just one win behind the leader, Fenerbahce. Panathinaikos, for its part, occupies eighth place with a balance of 15-10, which predicts an even fight in the standings.

Regarding casualties, the Italian coach of Real Madrid has confirmed that Andrés Feliz and Alberto Abalde suffered ankle sprains in the last Endesa League match, although it is expected that they will be able to play the match. The most notable absence will be that of Gabriel Deck, who is recovering from a hip operation and needs a few more days of rest to regain his full physical fitness.

“I don't know exactly. They tell me that it is better for me not to play this match and to work physically to get myself at my best. We have a forecast for the Copa del Rey in the medium/short term and with it we have to be especially careful,” Scariolo explained about Deck's situation.

Additionally, Théo Maledon will also be unavailable due to an adductor injury. It is expected that David Krämer and Gabriele Procida, who recently shone with 18 points and a PIR of 23 against Casademont Zaragoza, can have minutes. Walter Tavares and Trey Lyles will return after having rested in the last league game.

On the Greek side, Panathinaikos continues to regret the long-term absence of Mathias Lessort and the probable absence of Kendrick Nunn, their leading scorer with an average of 19.4 points per game, who is still recovering from an ankle injury.

This match promises to be an exciting duel, marked by Real Madrid's urgency to improve its away numbers and Panathinaikos' need to bring joy to its fans and calm the turbulent waters that surround the club.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Real Madrid's performance as a visitor in the Euroleague?

Real Madrid is the worst visiting team among the top ten in the Euroleague, with a balance of 4 wins and 8 losses.

How does Panathinaikos get into this match?

Panathinaikos is going through a moment of internal crisis, with the owner calling for the resignation of players and coaching staff after a recent league defeat.

Who won the last direct confrontation between Real Madrid and Panathinaikos?

Panathinaikos beat Real Madrid in the 2024 European final.

Has any team won on Real Madrid's field this season in the Euroleague?

Yes, Panathinaikos was the only team that won at the Movistar Arena on November 13 (77-87).

What are the confirmed casualties for Real Madrid?

Gabriel Deck and Théo Maledon are confirmed casualties. Andrés Feliz and Alberto Abalde have ankle sprains but are expected to play.

Which Panathinaikos players are injured?

Mathias Lessort is out long-term and Kendrick Nunn, leading scorer, is a doubt due to an ankle injury.

In what position of the table are both teams in the Euroleague?

Real Madrid is fifth with 16-9 and Panathinaikos is eighth with 15-10.

When and where will the match be played?

The match is played this Tuesday in Athens.