After seven years, Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv returns to the Euroleague playoffs. On Wednesday (22:00 Israel time, 3 pm ET), the Yellows will face Real Madrid in Spain for game 1 in the quarterfinal best of 5 series with hundreds of fans behind them.
"Our momentum is positive," Avi Even said ahead of the series opener. "We've had some good wins lately, and now we're going to play against one of the strongest teams in Europe, which has an amazing tradition. Having said that, we have a rich tradition as well, and we are ready for a real battle".
The Israeli champions already met the Blancos twice this season, with every side winning at home. The Spaniards battled past Maccabi with a tough 72:70 in the first rounds, and the Yellows got their revenge in the second round - beating Real 75:74 thanks to Scottie Wilbekin's free throws down the stretch.
"Our momentum is positive," Avi Even said ahead of the series opener. "We've had some good wins lately, and now we're going to play against one of the strongest teams in Europe, which has an amazing tradition. Having said that, we have a rich tradition as well, and we are ready for a real battle".
The Israeli champions already met the Blancos twice this season, with every side winning at home. The Spaniards battled past Maccabi with a tough 72:70 in the first rounds, and the Yellows got their revenge in the second round - beating Real 75:74 thanks to Scottie Wilbekin's free throws down the stretch.