Real Madrid hit their stride ahead of the clash with Maccabi: EuroLeague prediction
Maccabi Tel-Aviv
Real Madrid
Maccabi Tel Aviv and Real Madrid will meet on Thursday, October 22, in the seventh round of the EuroLeague regular season. The game will be played at the Aleksandar Nikolic Arena in Belgrade, with tip-off scheduled for 20:05 Central European Time. I am backing the total points market in this matchup.
H2H and statistical facts
- Real Madrid are on a six-game winning streak.
- Maccabi have won the first quarter in each of their last five games.
- Real Madrid have won three consecutive EuroLeague games.
- Real Madrid have beaten Maccabi away from home only once in the last four years.
Maccabi Tel Aviv
Maccabi made a poor start to the European season, suffering four defeats in their first five games. The Israeli club lost to ASVEL, Besiktas and Panathinaikos. The team then bounced back with a dominant win over Olimpia Milano, only to lose to Barcelona in its next game. In Round 6, Maccabi secured an important away victory over Valencia, winning 91-88 and improving its record to two wins and four losses.
The victory over Valencia was particularly important from a psychological standpoint. Maccabi managed to get the job done in a tense finish against a team that had made a powerful start to its European campaign. The Israelis scored 91 points and showed that they can operate effectively on offense even on the road. However, their defensive problems have not gone away: in several games, the team allowed opponents to score more than 90 points, which could prove a serious weakness against the Madrid side.
Maccabi have also been highly productive in the domestic league. On October 10, the team crushed Hapoel Galil Elyon 120-93, while on October 18 they comfortably defeated Ironi Kiryat Ata 116-89. In both games, the club surpassed the 110-point mark, underlining its superior offensive potential compared with its domestic opponents. However, the level of competition in the EuroLeague is significantly higher, and replicating that scoring output against Real Madrid will be a difficult task.
After six rounds, Maccabi sit 16th in the lower reaches of the EuroLeague standings with a 2-4 record. To continue their climb, the team must not only maintain its offensive efficiency but also be more disciplined when defending the perimeter. Against Real Madrid, it will be especially important not to let their opponents ignite the fast break and score easy points off turnovers.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid also made a poor start to their European campaign. The team lost to Dubai, followed by defeats against Anadolu Efes and Hapoel Tel Aviv. Three consecutive losses forced the Madrid side to seriously question their consistency. However, the team responded with three straight wins over Partizan, Olimpia Milano and ASVEL.
Recent games suggest that Real Madrid are gradually returning to their usual level. The win over Partizan was an important step after their disastrous start, and the Madrid side then raised their offensive game to win two high-scoring encounters. They were particularly impressive against ASVEL, putting up 111 points. If Real Madrid continue to perform with that level of efficiency, their opponents will struggle to contain their offense.
Madrid have also looked convincing in the Spanish league. On October 11, Real Madrid crushed Manresa 120-83, while on October 18 they comfortably defeated Bilbao 119-84. As a result, the team scored 239 points across their last two domestic games and recorded emphatic victories. These results confirm that the Madrid side are in an excellent offensive rhythm.
After six EuroLeague rounds, Real Madrid have three wins and three losses. Despite their poor start, the Madrid club have already returned to the fight for a place in the top half of the standings. In the upcoming game, the team must extend its winning run and make the most of its greater squad depth. At the same time, Real Madrid cannot afford to underestimate their opponents: Maccabi have won their last two European games and are capable of punishing defensive mistakes.
What to bet on?
Both teams come into this matchup on the back of strong stretches, but Real Madrid look more consistent at the moment. The Madrid side have won their last three EuroLeague games and crushed their opponents in two consecutive Spanish league matches. Maccabi have also found their stride, but their European results remain less convincing, while their defensive issues could prove decisive. I am backing an away win for Real Madrid with a -2-point handicap.
