78-85: Heroic Real Madrid forces fifth game
Chus Mateo's team beat Partizan again at the Stark Arena and will look for a place in the Final Four in Madrid.
Real Madrid are on course to achieve an unprecedented feat in the Euroleague playoffs. They beat Partizan again in Belgrade in game number 4 to level the series, meaning that the WiZink Center will host the fifth and final game. No one has ever overturned a 0-2 deficit, but if anyone can do it, it is our team. Just like last Tuesday, Chus Mateo's team put in another great performance, this time in defence and overcame every adversity that came their way in a Stark Arena that once again attracted more than 20,000 spectators. Tavares, with another great game 15 points, 7 rebounds and 30 index rating, led our team, backed up by outstanding performances from Hanga 15 points, Deck, who retired injured 14, Sergio Rodríguez 8 and 7 assists and Musa 14 and 8 rebounds.
Knowing how important getting off to a good start was, the Whites came in with its best minutes of the series. They dominated the first quarter. Focused, aggressive in defence, controlling the rebounding and putting all of their offensive repertoire on display. They outplayed Partizan time and time again with Musa generating continuous advantages 7 points and Hanga, from the corner, scoring everything that came his way. His three three-pointers, for 11 points 15 in the first half, led to a 15-27 run in the first quarter.
The game levelled off
The home crowd's energy was contagious and spurred on Partizan, who raised the physical intensity of the game. We began to lose the rebounding battle and gave second options to an opponent who saw the hoop more clearly and gained confidence. Papapetrou, on the outside, and Leday-Lessort, on the inside, made it too difficult for us in the second quarter. Without the fluidity of the start, Madrid managed to withstand the home side's onslaught with some gritty play from Tavares and Deck. But it was Llull, with five straight points, who broke the Serbian run and allowed us to go three up at half-time 42-45.
Knowing how important getting off to a good start was, the Whites came in with its best minutes of the series. They dominated the first quarter. Focused, aggressive in defence, controlling the rebounding and putting all of their offensive repertoire on display. They outplayed Partizan time and time again with Musa generating continuous advantages 7 points and Hanga, from the corner, scoring everything that came his way. His three three-pointers, for 11 points 15 in the first half, led to a 15-27 run in the first quarter.
The game levelled off
The home crowd's energy was contagious and spurred on Partizan, who raised the physical intensity of the game. We began to lose the rebounding battle and gave second options to an opponent who saw the hoop more clearly and gained confidence. Papapetrou, on the outside, and Leday-Lessort, on the inside, made it too difficult for us in the second quarter. Without the fluidity of the start, Madrid managed to withstand the home side's onslaught with some gritty play from Tavares and Deck. But it was Llull, with five straight points, who broke the Serbian run and allowed us to go three up at half-time 42-45.
The pace of play slowed down after the visit to the dressing rooms. There were stoppages, numerous fouls and few points to speak of. The tension was at its peak and both teams were scoring in dribs and drabs. A situation much more favourable to Partizan who managed these moments better and managed to take the lead at the midway point of the third quarter 51-49, min. 26. Chus Mateo resorted to the 2-3 zone and brought on Sergio Rodríguez. Madrid improved and changed the dynamic that the game had settled into. The point guard connected with Tavares, who came up big and scored seven vital points to help Madrid regain the lead. A three-pointer from Deck closed a quarter that we eventually won 13-16 55-61, min.40.
An epic Madrid in the last quarter
It can't be easy to play in such an atmosphere and with so much pressure. It's enough to affect any team, except Real Madrid, who had to pull out all the stops in the last 10 minutes and overcome situations that pushed them to the limit, such as some of the refereeing decisions and Deck's injury. The Argentinian retired in the 37th minute after Leday fell on his leg. But our guys held firm as a unit. Sergio Rodríguez stepped up with a three-pointer and an important basket to counter Leday's points; Randolph also chipped in, scoring several points.
Still, the game entered the final minute at 78-80. But, as on Tuesday, Chus Mateo's team showed enormous solidity, especially in rebounding. An offensive rebound by Tavares, which was also a basket and a free throw, gave us a 5-point lead with 54 seconds to play. In this time we did not concede any baskets and Musa sealed another great game with a layup 78-85. Before the start of the game there was an emotional tribute by the Stark Arena and both teams to the victims of the school shooting in Belgrade. The action continues next Wednesday at the WiZInk Center for a place in the Final Four 9:00pm CET.
PARTIZÁN-REAL MADRID STATISTICS
An epic Madrid in the last quarter
It can't be easy to play in such an atmosphere and with so much pressure. It's enough to affect any team, except Real Madrid, who had to pull out all the stops in the last 10 minutes and overcome situations that pushed them to the limit, such as some of the refereeing decisions and Deck's injury. The Argentinian retired in the 37th minute after Leday fell on his leg. But our guys held firm as a unit. Sergio Rodríguez stepped up with a three-pointer and an important basket to counter Leday's points; Randolph also chipped in, scoring several points.
Still, the game entered the final minute at 78-80. But, as on Tuesday, Chus Mateo's team showed enormous solidity, especially in rebounding. An offensive rebound by Tavares, which was also a basket and a free throw, gave us a 5-point lead with 54 seconds to play. In this time we did not concede any baskets and Musa sealed another great game with a layup 78-85. Before the start of the game there was an emotional tribute by the Stark Arena and both teams to the victims of the school shooting in Belgrade. The action continues next Wednesday at the WiZInk Center for a place in the Final Four 9:00pm CET.
PARTIZÁN-REAL MADRID STATISTICS