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The Madrid derby is pretty certain this time

Even though Estudiantes got a sensational win in the first part of the season, they won't this time, especially if Salgado isn't ready

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It's not often that Real get beat twice in a row, so the duel against Maccagi on Friday was especially important because three defeats in a row would mean a crisis. It didn't happen because Real woke up on time, played well, and easily defeated the Pride of Israel.

- We played a very good game defensively and controlled the match throughout the whole 40 minutes - coach Laso was satisfied.

Felipe Reyes was the best, as always. He's going through his second youth, but Jaycee Carroll's waking up should be mentioned, too. He got double-digit scores in the last five Euroleague matches, and had serious problems with his form before that. Carroll's invaluable for Real, his back shots make their opponents stretch thin, and give more dimension to Real's game.

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- Jaycee is in a good form. He had problems with the injuries the entire season, but he's himself now, and that gives us extra strength in the offense and the defense.

After defeating Maccabi, not many talked about today's duel against Estudiantes, but nobody failed to mention the big El Clasico that's coming up on Thursday, and will probably decide the first place of the group. We'll have to wait and see how much Real's players are focused on that duel, but what's certain is that Laso won't let them relax:

- It's a city derby, and there's no relaxing. It's important to recover physically, and get ready for Estudiantes who have great shooters, so that's why we have to be focused defensively, so we can impose our own rhythm.

Laso will probably leave Mejri to rest again because of his injuries and fatigue.

Estudiantes are just getting bearable defeats in away matches this season. In 13 duels, they won only once, so it's clear why they can't really expect to get points today, even though they did surprise their city rival earlier this season at home. Real won't allow themselves to be surprised like that again.

- Derby is a special match, but we've got nothing to lose in this one, and if we manage to win, we could get a lot. We did give them trouble in the derbies so far, and we'll try to do that today. It's important to try and keep up with their hellish rhythm as long as possible - coach Vidorreta announced this match.

Van Lacke (7.3 points and 2.6 assists) is still out due to an injury, and Salgado (8.3. points and 4.6 assists) is questionable, and that's a real problem for Estudiantes' backcourt. Even with those two, they'd hardly resist Real's pressure, and if Salgado is out, it'll become an impossible mission.