By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens demolished Real Madrid in Game 1 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague playoffs, but the Spanish side is expected to bounce back in the second game of the series.
Prior to Thursday’s (19/04) Game 2 at OAKA against Real Madrid, coach Pascual and two of his players commented on what to expect from Madrid’s squad in Game 2.
In Tuesday’s press conference, Xavi Pascual stated that ‘Panathinaikos played the perfect game‘, while Pablo Lasso said that PAO deserved the victory from the first ten seconds. Moreover, as he revealed on Wednesday, Madrid’s coach did not get enough sleep last night.
Xavi Pascual said the following ahead of Game 2: “We do not have to restart. We must continue in the same way, have the same mentality. We have to understand that every game can be different, but we have to be focused and concentrated during the series towards the right direction. When you win, you have to be strong to continue, and when you lose, you have to change your way of thinking.”
Panathinaikos’ head coach also stated that Real Madrid remains the favorite to win the series: “Real is a great team, with great quality, and is more experienced than us. I know the team very well, I know they will react and start the game more aggressive. I still believe that they are the favorites.”
In addition, James Gist also commented on Madrid’s squad: “We have to understand that Madrid is one of the best teams in Europe and we have to be ready for their reaction. We also have to think about us and what we are going to do in Game 2.”
Finally, Kenny Gabriel also added that it won’t be easy to defeat Madrid a second straight time: “It will be tough. It won’t be easy. For these kinds of games, we are preparing all year long. We want to qualify for the Final Four.”
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