Jalen Reynolds: 'We have a great chance to reach Final Four' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix

The Real Madrid vs. Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv EuroLeague playoff series has many European basketball fans intrigued. With both teams having split the series by a combined difference of one point in the regular season, the matchup is the one to watch today.

Talking about the upcoming battle in Madrid, Maccabi's center Jaylen Reynolds was confident his team can advance.

"The main thing is to stay humble, stay hungry, and bring our hearts to the match," the player told ahead of the game. "You must play hard and fight in this league. We have finally put this puzzle together, and we have to continue."

There are two charter planes coming to Madrid from Tel Aviv full of Maccabi fans. After the club launched a travel package offer, which includes a round trip flight via Israir Airlines, three nights at a hotel, transfers, and a ticket to the first two games, they were sold out on the first day. Due to overwhelming demand, a second offering was later launched that also sold out in hours.

"We have the best fans in the world, so it's always good to have the sixth player with us," Reynolds commented about the fans traveling to Madrid.

Maccabi fans flying to MadridCredit Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv

Head coach Avi Even is the architect of this newly-reborn Maccabi team that reached the EuroLeague playoffs by storm, winning the last 6 matches of the regular season. "He's a great coach, he puts us in a position where we can do great things and the sky is the limit," Reynolds said about Even.

Avi Even himself stressed the importance of being prepared for the matchup. "Real Madrid is a club that has proven its position in basketball over the years, and they're ready for any battle," the coach said.

"There is a difference between the matches in the regular season and now when you play against the players who can rise at any moment and win," Even continued. "They have players in any position that can win the game at any given moment, and we need to be prepared for each of them."

John DiBartolomeo hopes the team can continue its momentum into the playoffs. "We know they've been through some difficulties lately, but everything starts from scratch in the playoffs," the team captain noted.

"We'll try to continue to build on what we've been doing lately, but everyone is ready to start everything over," DiBartolomeo continued. "We are excited that the fans are coming with us, and we expect to see them there."

The first match of the series starts today at 21:00 CET in WiZink Center in Madrid. Real Madrid will have to play the first two matches without Gabriel Deck who tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday.

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