Madrid loses Euroleague Clásico

Real Madrid were unable to win the Euroleague Clásico at the Palau Blaugrana. Chus Mateo's men led in the first three quarters, but Barça came from behind in the final ten minutes and the victory went to the home side. Musa, with 19 points and 24 PIR, and Hezonja (16 and 15) were the most outstanding players for our team, who continue to lead and host Anadolu Efes on Friday (8:45pm CET).

Both teams started off with a high scoring pace from three-pointers. Musa made two in a row and Kalinic did the same for Barça. Madrid moved the ball better and found space to shoot, especially at the low post with a very active Ndiaye. But it was Musa who took the lead again with a recital from the perimeter that allowed him to score 13 points in seven minutes (14-20). The local reaction came in the closing stages to close a very even first quarter (21-25).

A fast-paced and high-scoring first quarter
The balance of power continued, but now it was Llull's turn to pick up the baton from Musa. The Spaniard continued to hit three-pointers and found cracks in the blaugranas' defence to score 9 points in five minutes (26-33, min. 14). Grimau's men were getting closer on the scoreboard through Laprovittola. Hezonja, Poirier and Sergio Rodríguez stepped into the action for Madrid, and Vesely, Parker and Brizuela for the blaugranas. In this exchange of blows, our team went into the break ahead with a very tight score (45-47).

Equanimity continued to predominate at the Palau Blaugrana after the break. The difference now was that each point cost each team twice as much effort due to the greater aggressiveness of the defensive lines. It was Barça who made the most of this situation to take a 9-3 lead. Little by little, Chus Mateo's team began to find solutions in offence thanks to the introduction of Musa, Hezonja and, above all, Sergio Rodríguez. The point guard led a 0-7 run to take another quarter (60-62).

Barça turn the game around
In the final quarter, Grimau's men were strong in defence and had a better shot at the rim to go on a 14-0 run and turn the game around. Real Madrid never gave up and looked for the victory until the end. They responded with a good 0-6 run through Campazzo and Hezonja. Madrid got within five points with two minutes to go, but a three-pointer from Laprovittola in the 39th minute put an end to the leader's aspirations and the victory stayed in Barcelona.