Both teams come into the match with identical 2-3 records and sit outside the play-off places. A win will allow one of them to even up their record and climb the table. Real Madrid ended their losing run with a convincing victory in Milan (98:89), where the outcome was settled by the start of the third quarter. ASVEL, meanwhile, suffered a narrow home defeat against Crvena Zvezda (82:84) in a tense finish, conceding the decisive basket to Chris Jones.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are gradually recovering from their difficult start to the season. The victory in Milan provided an important psychological boost: five players scored in double figures, with Théo Maledon leading the way (16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists). The French guard is Real Madrid's leading scorer in the EuroLeague, averaging 15 points per game. However, their injury problems persist: Usman Garuba and Gabriel Deck are still recovering, limiting the depth of their frontcourt rotation. Under Pedro Martínez, Real Madrid have become less disciplined defensively, conceding an average of 87.8 points per game — that will give ASVEL scope to exploit their attacking potential.
ASVEL
Under Tony Parker's leadership, ASVEL have shown clear progress compared with previous seasons. In the defeat against Crvena Zvezda, only three players scored in double figures, but Gat led the scoring with 19 points — his highest tally this season. ASVEL average 87 points per game in international competition and have yet to score fewer than 79. They have few absentees: only Dossou-Yovo will miss out, and he has not played anyway because of a succession of injuries. Gati, Besson and Crowder will take on key attacking roles and are capable of troubling any defence.
Real Madrid vs ASVEL Prediction
Real Madrid won both meetings last season: in Madrid (85:72) and in Lyon (80:69). However, ASVEL have not lost by more than 13 points in the last seven head-to-head meetings. Under Tony Parker, ASVEL have become stronger and more ambitious, so Real Madrid should not expect to rout the visitors. Moreover, Real Madrid have won by 14 or more points only once in competitive matches this season — against Manresa in the Spanish league (120:83), which is not comparable to the standard of the EuroLeague. Given Real Madrid's defensive problems (87.8 points conceded per game) and ASVEL's attacking potential (87 points scored), the visitors are capable of keeping the margin within the handicap.
