Euroleague: Olimpia thumps Real, Ettore Messina happy but not too happy

Ettore Messina comments on Olimpia Milano's success over Real Madrid

Olimpia Milano relaunched its playoff ambitions in the Euroleague with a prestigious success, obtained at the Mediolanum Forum in Assago against top-ranked Real Madrid. 81-76 was the final score, which, however, does not tell the whole story of a match in which the Red Shoes got to have even a 21-point lead, before the furious comeback of the Madridists stopped forò in the last possessions down to -2 (and the final -5).

Ettore Messina, in the press room, emphasized the importance of the victory without, however, hiding his concern for a second half not played at the same level as the first: "It's really a great victory for us and i for our fans – he said -. We played a great first half. Unlike other games, when Real è came back we did not let up by raising the level of defense" again.

"Real’s comeback? Our problem è that we lose the thread in attack – then explained the coach of the Red Shoes -.

We cannot live such moments becauseé when you make mistakes in attack, you suffer in counterattacks". Messina also had honeyed words for the evening's ex, the "Chacho" Sergio Rodriguez: "It's incredible his personality".

Chus Mateo, coach of the Blancos, also spoke in the press room: "We are at the top of the standings and we want to win them all, but sometimes you can’t,” he said. The problem è was the defense in the first half. However, the minutes for Llull and Tavares, returned today" were important.