Barcelona take on Real Madrid in basketball El Clasico
Real Madrid are off to a typically excellent start with with a 5-2 record and the likes of Sergio Llull and Luka Doncic while Barcelona are hot on their tails with a record of 4-3. Nadal vs Thiem
While all eyes will be on football this weekend, there is another excellent derby taking place, The European Clasico, on Friday night as Barcelona and Real Madrid play in the Euro League.
The most recent meeting of the two teams came two weeks ago in Liga Endesa when Barcelona beat Real Madrid 85-75 thanks to an excellent effort by Tyrese Rice (16). Real Madrid will be looking for revenge and are coming off a victory over Panathinaikos (87-84) just two days ago.
Barcelona, on the other hand, are trying to rebound after a loss on the same night against Olympiacos (59-52).
Coaches quotes
"What's most important is that everyone is prepared for what awaits us there, an atmosphere strongly in favor of their team. If we let them get into their game rhythm and their fans support them, or if we have trouble starting the game," says Real Madrid's head coach Pablo Laso.
The reality is, however, that Real Madrid are averging 17.2 points more than Barcelona in the Euro League.
Barcelona's coach, Georgios Bartzokas, says, "Games against Real Madrid are always special."
He also spoke about his team's injury situation and with Pau Ribas, Victor Claver and Juan Carlos Navarro still out and a question mark over Justin Doellman, he has a point.