Defeat in Milan

Real Madrid were unable to secure a win on their visit to EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in the eighth round of the Euroleague. Our team struggled against a very accurate opponent who dominated two quarters, the first and the last, which determined the outcome of the game. Despite trailing, we had several opportunities to come back in the third quarter. It was not to be and the home side ended up with a clear victory. On Sunday we host Dreamland Gran Canaria in Liga (12:30pm CET).

A minute's silence for the victims of the tragedies in Valencia and Novi Sad (Serbia) gave way to one of the great classics of European basketball, which began with both teams better on the defensive end. Abalde and Bolmaro were the most clear-sighted in their respective attacks (5 points each). With the score tied at 14, it was Milan who took the first step with a run of three consecutive three-pointers led by ex-Madrid player Causeur (5) to end the quarter 24-16.

Improvement in attack

That momentum was maintained by the home side at the start of the second quarter and Brooks increased the difference to 13 points. Madrid were unable to adjust their defence and their opponents took advantage of this. Hezonja was the one pulling the strings in attack. The introduction of Campazzo and Ndiaye brought more intensity to Madrid's play, leading to a 9-0 run in our favour to reduce the deficit. However, the lack of success in three-pointers stood in the way of their effectiveness. Dimitrijevic scored two more and we had to fight an uphill battle, with Deck (8) and Ibaka being our main points of reference (47-40, min.20).

Decisive last quarter

After the break, where the transalpine club paid an emotional tribute to Sergio Rodriguez, Madrid improved at the back, closed down the rebounding with the presence of Tavares and began to complicate the Italian's scoring. We got within four points at 49-45 and scored a three-pointer that would have brought us within one point at 24', but there was a lack of continuity in attack. Rathan-Mayes and Ibaka came to the fore to neutralise Milan's points and level the third quarter at 15 points (62-55, min.30). Madrid's lack of success in the final period gave Milan a boost. The home side, with two three-pointers from Leday, opened a definitive lead that we could not neutralise despite fighting until the last moment (85-76, min.40).

EA7 EMPORIO ARMANI MILAN-REAL MADRID STATISTICS