Bayern debuts as the 'underdog' against Real in the SAP Garden

A new era begins: When FC Bayern Basketball faces Real Madrid on Thursday (8:45 PM/ MagentaSport), it marks not only the first game day of the new EuroLeague season but also the premiere of the German champions in the SAP Garden. The new arena in Munich’s Olympic Park has been sold out for weeks ahead of Bayern’s debut; the 11,500 spectators will not only witness an exciting basketball game but also a concert by a yet-to-be-revealed musical act afterward.

From now on, the double-winners will be playing in two arenas: In addition to the SAP Garden, which will primarily be used for EuroLeague games, they will continue to play at the reliable BMW Park with its new LED video glass floor for Bundesliga home games. On Thursday, Bayern will also debut in their exquisite green Garden jerseys.

It is only fitting that one of the biggest brands in the sports world, Real Madrid, will be hosted by Munich’s new gem. Simultaneously, the Spanish champions, one of the title contenders in the EuroLeague, will showcase their talents in the SAP Garden. At the 2024 Final Four, the eleven-time European club champion narrowly lost in the final to Panathinaikos Athens.

Question mark over Ibaka, Hezonja missing

Real’s roster has seen some changes, inevitably: This summer, two Spanish basketball legends announced their retirements, Sergio Rodriguez and Rudy Fernandez. “El Chacho” ended his career after a total of eight years in the white jersey and three EuroLeague titles, while his companion Fernandez spent 13 seasons with Madrid. The departure of Frenchman Guerschon Yabusele, who moved to the Philadelphia 76ers after a strong Olympic tournament in Paris, came unexpectedly during the preseason.

In Mario Hezonja and Dzanan Musa, two strong pillars of the team remain, as well as playmaker Facundo Campazzo and the 2.20-meter giant Edy Tavares. Alongside him, former Bayern center Serge Ibaka, who played last season for Bayern, is expected to provide stability under the basket. Additionally, Usman Garuba (Golden State Warriors), a homegrown talent, returned to Spain from the NBA.

However, he couldn’t prevent Coach Chus Mateo's team from initially losing the final of the Spanish Supercup against Malaga (featuring former Bayern player Nihad Djedovic) and then, last weekend, suffering a last-second loss in their opening game of the domestic league against promoted Coruña (85-86). In the first ACB matchday, Hezonja was missing and will likely also be absent in Munich. Ibaka traveled with the team but did not play due to back problems.

"A Giant in European Basketball"

"They have pressure on them," suspects FCBB national player Niels Giffey, who also states: "It certainly wouldn't be easier to win against them if they were to play here on May 3rd." Head coach Gordon Herbert also has great respect for Real: "It is one of the best teams in Europe, a giant in European basketball. We must find ways to deal with their strengths; this is a challenge for the players and the coaches. But we must impose our will on them and be physical."

For the Canadian, it will be a personal comeback in the EuroLeague after many years. He says, "It’s something special, but at the same time, it’s just the next game in which we want to play as well as we can."

Veteran Giffey shares the view of observers that the EuroLeague has improved, especially at the top level. "We have to approach this season as underdogs; we won’t often be the favorites. But I’m not thinking about who comes when. You have to play against these teams anyway. We want to prove ourselves at this level." And that will be in the SAP Garden: "I really like the arena. I think the atmosphere will be amazing."

Upcoming FCBB Games:

• Thursday, October 3, 8:45 PM: 1st EuroLeague game day, FCBB – Real Madrid (SAP Garden)
• Sunday, October 6, 3:00 PM: 4th BBL game day, BG Göttingen – FCBB
• Thursday, October 10, 8:15 PM: 2nd EuroLeague game day, Panathinaikos Athens – FCBB
• Sunday, October 13, 6:00 PM: Cup Round of 16, Telekom Baskets Bonn – FCBB
• Tuesday, October 15, 8:45 PM: 3rd EuroLeague game day, Partizan Belgrade – FCBB
• Thursday, October 17, 8:45 PM: 4th EuroLeague game day, FCBB – Paris Basket (SAP Garden)