Clásico victory to book Super Cup final spot

Real Madrid have clinched a place in their seventh consecutive Endesa Super Cup final (Sunday, 8:00pm CEST). In a repeat of last year's tournament, also held at Murcia's Palacio de los Deportes de Murcia, Chus Mateo's came out on top against Barça in the semifinal Clásico match-up. The team showed some spectacular form in the second and third quarters, with impressive defensive numbers, culminating in a sublime final couple of minutes (8-3 run). Campazzo was the difference once again (18 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and a PIR of 33), heading 5 players in double digits. Our opponent in the showpiece will come from the clash between UCAM Murcia and Unicaja.

The only clue that this was the first competitive game of the season were the opening five minutes, as both teams looked rusty around the hoop. That was soon a thing of the past as the intensity stepped up and the offensive nerves began to dissipate. Barcelona were the first to show more accuracy from the triple, going 4-10 up. The madridista response came as they tightened up the basics. As they started to move the ball around, some good shooting and better numbers materialised. They also levelled up on the rebound and were running hard with Campazzo. Musa and Rathan-Mayers each hitting six points to lead a 8-3 run and finish the first quarter ahead (20-18).

Streaky spell
Madrid stretched their positive spell to halfway through the second period. Their patience in offense, Abalde's hot spell (8 points in 7 mins), and a well organised defense, pressed by the exterior guys and with Ibaka showing his power under the basket (6 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks), saw us race to the biggest lead in the game 32-24. Barcelona were forced to call time-out. Parker's arrival (12 points) alongside Brizuela (3 triples) coincided with a poor spell for our boys from the personal line (3/8), brought the scores back together before the break and the azulgranas headed off court with a one-point advantage (41-42).

Madrid came out the blocks in the second half looking to change the dynamics of the match. They'd had enough of the streaky lack of control so far. They returned to a more solid back line, this time with Tavares imposing himself and making Vesely and company look small. Hezonja stated his intent with two triples and Musa displayed his flawless quality around the basket. Campazzo was back in control and setting the pace now, and his three-pointer followed by an assist for Tavares' dunk broke a 10-point lead with 27 on the clock (60-48). Barça were relying on our boys' mistakes, pouncing on turnovers and staying in touch through Abrines' triples. Madrid's best quarter so far finished 26-19 to take a +6 into the closing stages (67-61, min. 30).

Madrid make sure
The tension continued to build as the minutes ticked by. A lack of flow crept into the offense, but the defense stood strong with some good minutes by Deck and Ibaka, both giving it their all. Barcelona weren't out of it yet though, and with 38 minutes on the clock, they levelled at 75 after the referees failed to review a Deck free-throw that was touched by Metu on the way in and should have been two points in our boys' favour. The last two minutes were worthy of any final, so naturally, Madrid brought out their winning instincts. They were able to step it up even further at the back, conceding just three points to Vesely in that time. They took the lead thanks to Hezonja's 2+1, a Tavares basket and the best move of the game: Campazzo stole the ball and sunk the basket to go four up with 30 seconds left to play. The Argentine point guard delivered a spectacular display all round, with a PIR of 33. A free throw was enough to round off an 89-83 win and book a place in the final. History repeats itself: all eyes on the first trophy of the season.