Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv are faced with a difficult double week in Spain, and it begins on Tuesday at the home of Real Madrid (9:30 PM Israel time, 2:30 PM ET). The yellows will attempt to create an upset and deal Los Blancos their first home loss in the EuroLeague, despite not winning in the Spanish capital in 14 years.

Oded Kattash will be without forward Rafi Menco, who did not make the trip due to back pain. Real, on the other hand, are expected to sit injured center Edy Tavarez and guard Sergio Llull, while the availabilty of forwards Guerchon Yabusele and Mario Hezonja is unclear.



"Real has size and it calls for a different preparation", said coach Kattash prior to Maccabi's flight to Madrid. "In the last few weeks we proved that we can start games well. There were times when we couldn't defend the lead, but when we are concentrated in the game plan, we are able to execute. Against Real Madrid, a lot of things are up to them".

The reigning European champions are leading the competition in most categories, including scoring, rebounding and assists, and are holding a 20-3 record. They are led by Argentine magician Facundo Campazzo at the point guard position, with Bosnian forward Dzanan Musa is their leading scorer.

It was a feat no team was able to earn this season, but Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv came agonisingly close to achiving: beating Real Madrid on the road. The Israeli champs gave the EuroLeague champs a fight during 40 minutes, only to lose 101-106 in the Spanish capital to move to a 13-11 record.

It's been 14 years since Maccabi's last victory in Madrid, yet this one was tough to swallow. A phenomenal performance by Wade Baldwin (28 points), Bonzie Colson (25) and James Webb (18) kept the yellows within striking distance of Los Blancos until the very final minute. Yet Real, who played without Edy Tavarez and Sergio Llull, found a way to score im[ortant points each time Maccabi built momentum.



"We needed more on defence and maybe a little more concentration", summarized head coach Oded Kattash, "You can't give up over 100 points against them and expect to win, expecially here. To win, you need to have a complete game, and we did not have it on defense".

The yellow squad will now make its way up north to Vitoria, the scene of their next game against Baskonia on Thursday.