Paulius Jankunas has his eyes on Real Madrid 0

Zalgiris stands for another EuroLeague battle in their home court, as they take on Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, which has always got their eyes on the trophy.

The Pablo Laso-led team started their new season campaign with two difficult victories at home, defeating Fenerbahce 81-77, followed by thrilling win against Maccabi Tel Aviv, as Jaycee Carroll’s buzzer-beating three decided the fate of the game, 86-85.

Meanwhile, Zalgiris faced two losses in their opening weeks, with a 58-70 home loss against Baskonia, followed by a defeat at the hands of AX Armani, 81-85 last Friday.

Paulius Jankunas talked to Zalgiris TV about the team’s preparations and noted that they will start preparations with an analysis of their own play and mistakes.

“So today we’ll have a weight practice and a video review, so we know where we make our mistakes. Maybe we already know, but a review to accent everything. Seeing video what we do wrong, later we’ll have a basketball practice, preparing for the opponent.”

During the summer, the roster of Zalgiris’ opponents barely went through any changes, as Gustavo Ayon was substituted with a mobile big man Jordan Mickey, while just last week, the team announced the signing of 217 cm-tall Salah Mejri.

“We know how they play, the core is the same. They added some great players, but we think the style remains the same. A high-tempo game, they run in transition, shoot a lot of threes, create a lot of easy buckets in fast-break opportunities.”

As always, Jankunas and the other green-and-whites expects a sold-out Zalgirio Arena that would help turn up the heat for the opponents, as Zalgiris search for their first win.

“The same as always. They got us used to a sold-out. We expect this week to be the same, and a packed arena waiting for us.”