Madrid take a 1-0 lead in the playoff led by record-breaking Llull

Real Madrid get their EuroLeague playoff off to a fine start. They couldn't wait for this game and that was clear on court from the off, as they delivered a sublime performance to ease past Baskonia in Game 1 at the WiZink Center, once again the setting for a great European night. It was a well-rounded evening that included a new record for the legendary Llull, who moved past Juan Carlos Navarro to become the competition's all-time top three-point scorer (624). Musa (20 PIR), Tavares (16), Poirier (14) and Campazzo (13) were the top performers, alongside Yabusele (11), who made his 200th appearance in our colours. The win, our 28th of the campaign, means equalling our best ever in a single season. Chus Mateo's boys take the initiative in a series that continues on home soil in 48 hours' time (Thursday, 9:00pm CEST).

It was a superb start for Madrid, who took to the court with an extra dose of concentration this evening. The opposition was sure to demand it, showing what they were capable of in the first play, based around the counter-attack and the triple. The home team followed the plan to perfection though and after an early exchange of baskets (13-11), they began to pull away. They were quick to settle into a fine offensive rhythm, using the pick&roll between Musa and Tavares to great effect (eight points for the Bosnian), alongside Hezonja from outside (3/4 triples). With Campazzo getting the better of the Miller-Mcintyre duo, our boys raced to a 12-0 run to move to +14, reduced to 9 points at the first quarter (26-17).

Madrid deliver convincing display
The team maintained their levels in the second quarter to ensure the opposition were unable to force their way back into the game. The first five minutes were particularly strong, with Sergio Rodriguez on court and the generous defense shackling Howard. The Canarian point guard brought some magic to proceedings (4 assists), with Deck and Poirier the beneficiaries. A Rudy triple took the lead to 17 points at 42-25 (min.15). Chus Mateo's team were controlling the game, but it was crucial not to let our guard down with Baskonia up the other end. In the closing stretch of the first half, they sealed a 0-7 run, but we responded decisively thanks to efforts around the hoop from Campazzo (2+1), Tavares and Musa (48-37).

Madrid upped their defensive intensity further still as they came out for the second half and they completely cut off the visitors' point-scoring for three and a half minutes. Their consistency in offense remained, as the triples continued to find their target (four in four minutes, two for Musa) and Tavares was causing damage on the rebound. Yabusele, making his 200th Madrid appearance, stretched the advantage to 19 with 26 minutes on the clock. Baskonia were relying on Rogkavopoulos' three-pointers to hang in there but our team were simply proving unplayable. 

Llull makes history as the Madrid exhibition continues 
Our boys gave their visitors no chance at all in the final stretch of the game, edging close to a 30-point lead before a WiZink Center crowd revelling in another special European night. But it was Llull who really put the icing on the cake. The captain added to his legendary status in the competition, posting the two triples he needed to eclipse Navarro and become the all-time top three-point scorer with 624. He broke the record with 3:25 until the buzzer. He came off eight seconds later and received a standing ovation from the fans (90-74, min.40). Madrid make it 1-0 and have never failed to make the Final Four from this position.

REAL MADRID-BASKONIA STATISTICS