Defeat in the first league game

Real Madrid went down to Leyma Coruña in their league opener. Our team led for a large part of the game, taking a 14-point cushion in the third quarter, but the home team's strong run ended up levelling the score in the last minute. A 3+1 by the Galicians with 2.1 seconds to go denied us the win. With 21 points and 24 PIR, Campazzo was the standout performer for Madrid.

It was our first visit to the Galician venue and we soon established the lead on the scoreboard. A patient attack, with Tavares as the pivot (Hezonja was absent today and Ibaka did not take part due to back problems) and with good percentages inside and outside, combined with good work on the offensive rebound (4), enabled us to build up a lead of up to 7 points. The home side held on thanks to Taylor's performance (16-22, min.10).

The captain on the scene

With five straight points at the start of the second quarter,Llull provided Madrid with the maximum advantage (18-27, min.12). But there was a lack of spark and Leyma Coruña brought more energy and speed, with Figueroa creating and Jakovics inspired with three-pointers. Our team were going through a slump, and the Galician team took advantage of it to turn the game around and go ahead with a 12-0 run (30-28, min15). Chus Mateo brought Campazzo back onto the court and the reaction came. The point guard brightened up the team and we were more aggressive in defence. Llull dominated the offence and gave a two-minute masterclass. Seven points from him, out of 14 in this period, spearheaded a 5-12 run that took us to half-time with a +7 lead (37-44).

A three-pointer by Campazzo and another from Musa widened the gap to 40-54 at the 24' mark, capping an 8-22 run between the 16th and 24th minute. But Madrid's dominance would be disrupted in the final stretch of the third quarter by a run of three-pointers from Leyma Coruña. Three consecutive threes and several plays by Figueroa gave them a boost and managed to change the momentum of the game, putting the score at 60-63 in favour of our team.

Luck was with the home side

Madrid were on top in the final quarter but were unable to take the game away from them. When Madrid stepped up their aggression at the back, they increased their lead. It was never conclusive though, as any lapses in concentration were punished by the home side in the form of 2+1 or three-pointers. Our team scored intermittently from the free throw (today we missed 11) and Campazzo was our best player. Leading by 77-83 with 1 minute to go. But our opponent never gave up and Taylor pulled his team to within one point with 14 seconds to go. Campazzo, again, responded with two free throws. At 82-85, Barrueta hit a three-pointer plus Musa's personal foul with 2.1 seconds left. He scored the 3+1 and Llull was unable to score in the last possession (86-85, min.40).