Capital’s Club Takes on the Goliath of Euroligue

Paris Basketball faces a monumental challenge in the form of Real Madrid tomorrow evening, dueling in the play-in round for a coveted spot in the Euroligue quarter-finals. Tip-off in Madrid will be at 9:00 PM.

Author’s Dream Season in Euroligue

Paris Basketball, in its maiden Euroligue season, has already carved out an impressive record. However, qualifying for the next round would be a spectacular feat, especially given the Spanish giant’s dominance in the competition.

Real Madrid, with an eleven-time victorious past, is the reigning finalist for the third consecutive year. Paris Basketball has yet to unseat the Spanish juggernaut this season, with two narrow defeats in two previous meetings.

Learning from the Past

In the November clash at home, Paris played shorthanded, lacking the key leadership of TJ Shorts. In April, a buzzer-beater by Nadir Hifi gave Paris a sliver of hope, but it wasn’t enough to topple Real.

Paris player Bandja Sy, speaking on the eve of the crucial match, was optimistic about his team’s chances. “This match is different, and we are fully focused and motivated. We need to play our best basketball to have a chance.”

Last Chance Saloon

In the event of a defeat, Paris will have one final shot at redemption — facing the loser of the match between Bayern Munich and the Red Star of Belgrade.

Paris Basketball TJ Shorts (black jersey at the center) during the match against Real Madrid at the Movistar Arena in Madrid, April 3, 2025. (Thomas Coex / AFP)