Olympiacos lifts the cup in the Euroleague with a Euroleague 92 – 85 victory over Real Madrid, in the packed OAKA stadium with the stands painted red.
The atmosphere inside the OAKA for the Euroleague final was festive from early on. More than 18,000 fans of Olympiacos are estimated to be in OAKA, while Real’s fans are estimated at 700-800. The red and white fans set the tone and cheered on the Olympiacos players.
The big winner
Olympiacos showed its teeth early on, even though Real Madrid led in the first quarter. The last quarter was a tough one, as the points changed by a single digit and it was only towards the end that Olympiacos managed to maintain the difference that secured the cup.
Specifically, in the first quarter of the game, Olympiacos resisted Real’s offensive tactics, scoring 19 points to Real Madrid’s 26 points.
While in the second quarter Olympiacos managed to take a 27 – 18 lead over Real Madrid.
In the third quarter, Olympiacos put up a valiant fight 15 – 21 against Real Madrid.
In the fourth quarter, Olympiacos led 29 – 20 against Real Madrid.
Olympiakos shows its teeth
With the game having completed its third period, Olympiacos managed to close in on Real Madrid and record 61 – 65.
Specifically, in the first period of the game, Olympiacos resisted Real’s offensive tactics by scoring 19 points against 26 points scored by Real Madrid.
While in the second quarter Olympiacos managed to lead 27 – 18 over Real Madrid.
In the third quarter, Olympiacos put up a valiant fight 15 – 21 against Real Madrid.
Outside the stadium
Outside the stadium, a large number of Reds fans are gathered to watch the final match of their beloved team.
Earlier, police thwarted a massive attempt by Olympiacos fans to enter the stadium without a ticket. Limited tension was caused in the surrounding area of the Telekom Center Athens and the Police made sixteen (16) arrests. Several Reds fans are outside the stadium without a ticket and are waiting to see if they can enter the Telekom Center Athens. Meanwhile, they have twelve (12) arrests of which nine (9) for drugs, one (1) for possession of tobacco, one (1) for resisting the authority and one (1) for false accreditation.
The Olympiacos twelve
The eyes, now, are on the grand final. Earlier today Giorgos Bartzokas announced his picks for the twelve for the grand final in the Final Four against Real Madrid, keeping the same selections as the semifinal against Fenerbahce.
So, the Olympiacos’ twelve is composed of: Thomas Walkup, Tyler Dorsey, Corey Joseph, Shaquille McKisick, Tyson Ward, Sasha Vezenkov, Kostas Papanikolaou, Alec Peters, Evan Fournier, Nikola Milutinov, Doda Hall, Tyrick Jones.
Real Madrid’s twelve
There are too many problems for Real Madrid coach Sergio Scariolo, as he will not be available, Eddie Tavares, Ousmane Garouba and Alex Len due to injuries, while Garouba was injured in the semi-final against Valencia, leaving the floor with an injury. On the other hand, Andres Feliz will be normally available, despite the minor injury he suffered in the match against Valencia the day before yesterday.
Real Madrid’s dozen is made up of: Liles, Abalde, Okeke, Cabaso, Hezonja, Yul, Malenton, Dec, Felice, Almanza, Kramer, Procida.
Photos by EUROKINISSI/KLODIAN LATO
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