After starting the season at 7.00 to be Euroleague Outright Winner for the first time since 1995, expectations in Madrid were soon tempered by a 16-point defeat in the season curtain-raiser v Olympiacos. However, Madrid went on to prove themselves a force at the Caja Mágica, as they won all five games on their home court on their way to second place in Group B.
Despite reaching the second group stage, Real Madrid’s Outright odds lengthened to 10.00 but they soon restored confidence with a five-game winning streak that saw them qualify for the Playoffs in style. Even the end of their 100% home record on the final gameweek couldn’t tarnish a hugely successful Top 16 and saw their odds shrink to 7.50.
On paper Real’s encounter with Valencia – who had qualified by winning last season’s Eurocup – looked the simplest route to the Final Four and Madrid were as short as 1.333. However, the all-Spanish clash required a Game 5 to send its victor to Barcelona, and the side from the capital had to overturn a double-digit first half deficit to qualify.
Real Madrid will face Maccabi Electra in the semi-finals of their first Final Four since 1996 but despite being the last remaining Spaniards, are deemed outsiders at 5.25 to lift the Euroleague trophy for a record 9th time. Victory would be sweetened further by winning on great rival Barcelona’s home court, but are you tipping them to end their 16-year drought?
Star man: Felipe Reyes
Sportingbet Outright Winner Odds: 5.25