Alba Berlin won the first final match against perennial rivals Bayern Munich. The defending champions defied the stubbornness of their Bavarian final opponents.
Alba Berlin overcame their first major challenge against Bayern Munich with mental strength. “There is always a lot of pressure on the first game. And the hardest thing against Bayern is to try to pull your game through and stay calm. It’s the most experienced team and the most hardened team,” Alba manager Marco Baldi said after Friday night’s 86-73 home win against their perennial rivals.
Because it was precisely this hard-headedness that disturbed the rhythm of the Berliners for a long time. “They are very, very clever and well-rested. They know when to take time out. One falls over, one ties his shoes, the coach complains. It’s always something,” Baldi said, adding, “It’s very, very hard to keep your head down and keep your stuff together. But we managed to do that today. “
Baldi surprised by three-man festival
The game was very even for a long time. Both teams delivered a festival of threes almost throughout the entire game. That surprised even the so experienced 60 years old Alba manager. “There were amazing throw rates on both sides. That was rather extraordinary for a final with this intensity,” said Baldi.
It was only in the final phase that the defending champions were able to pull away. Then the Berliners seemed much fresher and more alert. They had already finished their semi-final series against Ludwigsburg last Friday and thus had a whole week to prepare.
The Bavarians, on the other hand, had to play again less than 48 hours after their semi-final. “Of course, that was still in their bones. That was maybe a few extra grains for us,” said winger Louis Olinde.
Olinde: A matter of will
But the Berliners did not want to see this as the decisive reason. “They are all well-trained professionals. And especially in a final, everything is mobilised once again,” Baldi said. He saw the difference in the different playing styles: “We are lighter on our feet and our game is easier.” And Olinde added: “In the end, it’s the will that decides in the finals anyway.”
In the best-of-five series, Alba now leads 1:0. “More, but also not,” said the Alba manager. The advantage now lies with the defending champions, who have now won 18 in a row. “We have the self-confidence and know what we can do,” said Olinde. But the Berliners still don’t see themselves as clear favourites ahead of Tuesday’s second match in Munich (7pm).
Even though Bayern coach Andrea Trinchieri had already declared the Berliners to be just that before the final. “I always find these discussions a bit boring. All these side noises are completely unimportant,” Baldi said. The Munich team also tried to play such games before the semi-final against Bonn. This astonished Baldi: “If I were Bavaria and I dubbed Bonn the favourites. I honestly don’t see any ‘mia san mia’ there. “
