MADRID, 3 May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Real Madrid basketball coach, Chus Mateo, was “proud” of the efforts of his players after the victory (80-82) in the third game of the Euroleague quarterfinal series against Partizán, played this Tuesday in Belgrade, since, according to him, the squad is “leaving their souls”.
“Until now we cannot doubt the team at any time because we must be proud of the effort they are making. They are leaving their souls trying to ensure that the tie does not end here. In all the games we have fought well, another thing is how we have understood it at all times”, valued the coach in the press conference prior to the duel this Thursday.
Regarding the game, Mateo declared that they will have to play “even better” and that “it will not be easy at all.” The white coach expects a better start from his pupils, which will allow them “not to row so much” and find “sufficient resources” to be able to beat Partizan.
The key to the game for the coach will be in the defense that they can do against the offensive framework of Zeljko Obradovic’s team. “It is difficult for us to hold one against one from such a deep team, which attacks well with penetrations and opening up to the perimeter. Yesterday we managed to understand that the defensive distances were much smaller. We were closer together defending and the alternative defense made them doubt at times” , he pointed.
For his part, the center of the white team Eddy Tavares, who had a very outstanding performance in the third game after missing the first two in Madrid, pointed out that these games “motivate them a lot” and that despite the fact that they had a great game this Tuesday , the fourth will be “much more difficult”. The Cape Verdean center also expressed his enthusiasm for playing at the Partizan Stadium. “It’s a gift to play on a court like this with so many people. You have to enjoy these moments,” Tavares stressed.
The white star pointed out that he always tries to be “prepared” for what his coach needs, especially with the return of Kevin Punter, who missed the third game due to suspension. “It’s good news for them. He is a key player for their game and it will be difficult, but we have to be prepared and go out to win to return to Madrid,” said the center.
The surprise of the first game in Belgrade was Nigel Williams-Goss, who hit the decisive three-pointer and put in a stellar performance. “I felt very good when the triple came in, but the important thing is that we got the victory. We have a great team with great players and anyone can take a step forward,” remarked the American point guard.