When Maccabi Tel Aviv and Real Madrid meet, even on days when the hall is “abandoned”, it is always a reason to party. And this time, despite the gaps in the table, it seems that the Yellows have a chance to profit from the party: In the hall with the Israeli champion, who arrives with one goal in front of her eyes – to achieve a surprise that will bring her closer to the top eight.
Let’s start on the yellow side. Just before the jumpball, Maccabi received bad news: Omri Caspi, who started showing sparks of the player from the beginning of last season recently, suffers from abdominal pain and did not pass the competency test. And yet, Yannis Sapropoulos, who comes after the important win over Basconia, knows he needs to win as many games as possible out of the remaining 14 to advance to the playoffs.
Real, as mentioned, does not come to the game in optimal condition. First and foremost, Sergio Yul and Rudy Fernandez, two of the stars of the team, remained in Madrid following injuries. Alongside them, Alex Tios, the Yellows ‘ex and the Blancos’ new acquisition, did take off for Israel and is fit to play – but arrives after a week in which he recovered from an ankle injury. Add to that two losses in three games, and you get Real Madrid injured – but, remember, has a “charge” in the form of six consecutive victories over the Yellows. Will Maccabi Tel Aviv succeed in seizing the opportunity with both hands? We will soon know.