Madrid extend winning streak at WiZink Center

Real Madrid extended their unbeaten run at home after defeating Virtus Bologna. Following this offensive masterclass, the Whites have now won eight consecutive games at the WiZink Center. It was also a very special night for Sergio Llull, who played 1,100 games in the Madrid jersey and continues to enhance his legacy as a Madridista. Chus Mateo’s side produced their best performance of the season in the EuroLeague, with Campazzo’s second-half heroics (14 points, 9 assists and 27 in PIR) , to record their fourth win in this competition. Hezonja (20 points) and Rathan-Mayes (17) were also in inspirational form.
 
Madrid got off to a flying start in the EuroLeague double-header first clash with a 5-0 run in the early stages thanks to the Tavares-Campazzo link-up and the contribution of Hezonja (7 points). But Virtus, led by Cordinier, recovered quickly and gradually got into rhythm and took the lead (12-13; min. 6). From that point on, the scoring efficiency of both teams gathered pace. The Whites adopted a more physical approach, while the Italians relied on their ability at the hoop. Hezonja, once again, was the man who boosted the home side to push the hosts ahead in the first quarter, in which Llull came out onto the court to make his 1,100th appearance for Real Madrid. It was another historic record for the man from Majorca.
 
Whites pass 50-point mark before break
The visitors upped the tempo and took the lead in the clash, with Shengelia (12 points) and Clyburn driving their team to a 0-10 run. Then the Madridistas tightened up their defence and improved their possession game to find answers and respond (35-36; min. 15) with an outstanding Ibaka in the paint (7 points in two minutes). The scoring rhythm did not drop for one second, and it was Chus Mateo's troops, led by a blazing Llull (6 points and 4 assists) and Campazzo, who stole the show. They surpassed the 50-point barrier and went into the break with a 53-49 lead.

The Madridistas danced to the rhythm dictated by Campazzo. The Argentinian point guard bossed the game, creating real headaches for the Virtus defence and using Abalde (8 points in 3 minutes), Hezonja and Tavares as his most effective allies. This enabled the home side to take control to open up a 12-point difference in the 26th minute. The Italian side were powerless in the face of Tavares (14 points) and Campazzo (14 and 9 assists for 27 in PIR). The Madridista attack was far superior until the end of the third quarter, which ended 80-67.
 
Madrid seal a fantastic performance
After the sheer firepower displayed in the previous quarter, Real Madrid only had to complete the job. As the Italians threatened a late surge, Chus Mateo put in a more defensive formation with the likes of Ibaka, Deck and Rathan-Mayes. The approach worked and the Whites were not satisfied with the score. They were determined to put in their best performance of the season in the EuroLeague, and they achieved this thanks to a three-pointer from the Canadian (96-76; 36'). Virtus produced a small rally late on to leave the final score at 98-86. This was Madrid's eighth straight victory at the WiZink Center, which will host another huge European clash on Thursday against Anadolu Efes.
 
STATISTICS FROM REAL MADRID-VIRTUS BOLOGNA