In the first round match in Madrid, Real Madrid narrowly secured a victory against Zalgiris Kaunas with a score of 100 to 99. As they prepare for the upcoming game, Real's coach Sergio Scariolo shared insights about the formidable Zalgiris team. He acknowledged Zalgiris as a strong team that has defeated nearly all top opponents at home, emphasizing the home court advantage as a crucial factor in their performance. Scariolo noted that Zalgiris plays exceptional basketball and has an efficient team comprising many dangerous players.

Scariolo highlighted key player Nigelis Williams-Goss, praising his capability to balance defense, offense, and game organization. He remarked on Williams-Goss's improved shooting and ability to drive to the basket, which adds significant value to the team alongside fellow players Francisco and Maodo. Scariolo pointed out that there aren't many teams in Euroleague with ball handlers of this caliber, often having two or even three of them on the court at once, which creates a unique challenge for opposing teams.

Overall, Scariolo's analysis indicates that Real Madrid respects Zalgiris as a worthy competitor, particularly highlighting their strategic play and team composition. As both teams gear up for the clash, the psychological aspects of the game are expected to play a significant role, suggesting that the match could be highly competitive.