Real Madrid is returning to the EuroLeague Final Four after a two-year absence. In 2018, at Stark Arena, the Spanish side celebrated its last trophy, after defeating Fenerbahce (85-80).
Since then, the team’s core has not changed entirely, despite the fact that 2018 EuroLeague MVP Luka Doncic moved to the NBA a few weeks later.
2021-2022 season recap
For Real Madrid, this season started really well. Pablo Laso’s guys won 17 of their first 20 games. However, after February and until the end of the regular season, they suffered defeat in eight of their last 10 games.
The “Whites” eventually finished fourth in the standings, clinching the home-court advantage. Facing Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the playoffs, Real managed to get the job done. It is remarkable that they were the only team to sweep their series (3-0).
Key Stats
Real Madrid dominated their opponents in stats averages this season. They were scoring 79.3 points per game while allowing 73.6. They averaged 38.3 rebounds and allowed 28.4. They were also better in the assists’ category (18.3 over 14.7).
Their biggest win margin happened against Baskonia (60-88). However, they scored a historically low total of 47 points against Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania.
Photo: EuroLeague Basketball
Key Players
Two Real Madrid players were named EuroLeague MVP of the month this season. In November, it was Walter Tavares (averaging 10.9 points and 7.6 rebounds in the regular season).
In January, after a nine-game winning streak for Real, newcomer Guerschon Yabusele (averaging 11.6 points) won the MVP award.
In addition, experienced players, such as Thomas Heurtel (averaging 9 points and 4.6 assists) and Sergio Llull (averaging 8.3 points) contributed the most for their team, especially in the playoffs.
Photo: EuroLeague Basketball
Final Four
In the semifinal, Real will meet its domestic rival team, Barcelona. This Spanish classical “derby” will determine whether Real Madrid will be able to fight for their 11th EuroLeague title in the Championship Game.
Barcelona swept the regular season series (93-80 and 68-86). Therefore, Real Madrid will be also seeking for revenge.
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