Despite defeat last week, Real Madrid will march forward and finish first by beating Zalgiris Kaunas
Despite defeat last week, Real Madrid will march forward and finish first by beating Zalgiris Kaunas
They would have expected to tie this up much sooner, but Real Madrid are yet to secure the top spot in Group E. Madrid were imperious for long spells of the Top 16 and still rank highly in all the offensive categorie,s but recent setbacks mean that defeat could allow bitter-rivals Barcelona could beat them to the punch.
Zalgiris, on the other hand, have nothing but pride to play for but they’ll head back to Lithuania with their heads held high. It’s been their best-ever performance in the Euroleague and despite imminent elimination, they’ve held their own against plenty of much stronger, more experienced sides.
Los Blancos should tie up all the loose ends with a win in this one, back them at 1/20 and for them to drag themselves a little over the finishing line.
Group E rivals FC Barcelona also play on Friday night as they host bottom side Galatasaray Liv Hospital Istanbul with hopes that they can still overhaul Madrid. Barca have been in excellent form with seven wins in a row, which included a big win in the Classico last week.
The Turkish side have lost their last ten and despite starting 2-1, they’ve fallen off a cliff. When you face a side where even their bench players are getting eyed up by the NBA, you have to expect the worst. Go for Barcelona to win very comfortably at 3/20.
The final game of the Euroleague comes from Group F as already-qualified Olympiacos Piraeus face last-placed Nizhny Novgorod. Olympiacos have to settle with third place having looked for so long like they could have earned home-court advantage, and they may be tempted to rest players for the tests ahead.
Novgorod have been productive offensively despite their lowly position and although the Reds have the best defence in the Top 16, with pride on the line they could cause a big upset. With nothing in it for the Greek side, back Nizhny at 73/20 to pull off a highly-unlikely win in their final match.
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