Virtus Segafredo Bologna returns to success in the EuroLeague and does so in great style. Le Vu Nere, authors of a great performance, won away in Istanbul against Efes, earning the chance to play the second match of the play-in, scheduled for Friday. Belinelli and his teammates, in fact, will compete for access to the play-offs of the top European competition in the inside-out match that will be played in Vitoria against Baskonia, losers in the other play-in match played against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Below are the statements of the protagonists.
Luca Banchi
«It was an intense match, I’m happy for the victory. It is a very important moment of the season, it is a challenge from inside or outside and it is a test of values, strength and energy. We played against the best team in the league. We came from many defeats but today we showed that the team is still determined to explore all the opportunities that this season and this event can offer. We deserved the victory.”
«The play-in is new for everyone. Today in Belgrade a different match was played than the one seen in Istanbul. Coming into a challenge from inside or outside and putting in so much energy and physicality was not easy. It’s normal in games of this type to see errors and turnovers but the body language was that of two teams that wanted to bring home the victory. It’s a unique match of its kind, both teams gave everything but in the end we won.”
«The return we had in the first quarter helped us emotionally. The men who came off the bench gave the right impulse to the others. Strange calls and errors prevented us from materializing the lead we were producing. There were horrible calls but we stood firm and clear-headed. The defense seen, combined with the physical and mental presence of everyone allowed us to dig the decisive furrow in the final. The quick and convincing comeback in the first quarter made everyone aware that they were in tune with this match.”
Iffe Lundberg
«I’m feeling a mix of emotions, we played a great match in a crazy atmosphere. I’m proud of my team, now we have to go to Vitoria and win another one. It will be difficult but I’m really happy.”
«We followed the game plan, they played hard in defense and we tried to build shots for the free men. We played a game of resilience.”
«The key is to continue to believe in yourself, as do our fans who always support us. My message to them is to continue doing what we did during the season, only in this way can we try to reach the play-offs.”
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