It’s been five years since they won the first Basketball Champions league and AEK will do their best tonight to break the home of Hapoel Jerusalem in order to have the chance to claim the qualification together with their people.
2018 was a dream year for AEK. Fifty years after the epic of 1968, they overcame it and won the Greek Cup and the Champions League, the Final Four of which was held in Athens. At that time, the “Union” found Strasbourg in the quarterfinals, which it defeated 78-69 in OAKA, sealing the qualification on the anniversary of the 1968 epic, on April 4, with… an 83-83 draw.
The yellow and black then, as now, had the title of outsider. This year, in fact, the 8 team is already a great achievement for the team’s roster. But the team of Ilias Kanzouris proves that it does not fall easily.
From the 2018 roster there are two things in common. The first is in the name Vasilis Xanthopoulos. The experienced Union guard may not have been a starter but with his defense and altruism in attack he was a reliable solution in the hands of Dragan Sakota. At the age of 38 and after a stint in Kolossos and Peristeri, he is back in the yellow and black and remains one of the main members of the team.
The second and last player who was on the 2018 roster as well as this year’s is none other than Dimitris Mavroidis, the captain of this year’s AEK. The 37-year-old center had played with a positive presence in both games against Strasbourg. Now his role in AEK is much more limited. He is close to the team but will not play tonight. However, it is a format full of experiences that can guide the younger ones knowing very well the importance and magnitude of these matches.
Last month, the news was released that there is a possibility that the Final Four will be held this year in the closed Ano Liosia. If this happens, it will be a great opportunity for Makis Angelopoulos’ team to claim another European title in front of their home crowd, just like in 2018.
Finally, today is a special day for AEK as it’s 55 years since the 1968 epic. Guided by the glorious past, the “queen” will give her best to claim what belongs to her from tonight’s match.
Edited by: Vassilis Macheiras
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
