Madrid bring 2024 to a close with Clasico win

Real Madrid won the Christmas Clásico in the last game of 2024. The Whites, who have now won six straight games against the blaugranas since the league playoffs last season, confirmed their good form and their ascending defensive line, which was key in today's win, especially in the last minute, when they prevented their opponents from scoring. Hezonja shone with a double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds and 25 PIR), Campazzo (17 and 21) and Tavares (11 and 7 rebounds). Llull also became the Madrid player with the most games in LaLiga (620).

The tribute to Llull, with the president presenting him with a commemorative jersey for his impressive record playing for Real Madrid, gave way to an intense Clasico. Madrid started with no turnovers in attack and a great defensive attitude with Rathan-Mayes holding Punter. But Barcelona were better at rebounding and that levelled the contest at the start with a low score. It was from the 7th minute onwards that the home side took the lead thanks to an 11-3 run led by Musa (5 points) and three-pointers from Feliz and Hezonja, the latter on the stroke of half-time (21-15).

Madrid maintain their lead
Another triple by Hezonja put Madrid 7 up (24-17, min. 11) but the visitors reacted by looking for advantages in the paint with automatic turnovers from our team. Metu and Parker brought the score back on level terms midway through the second quarter, with Llull making his 620th ACB appearance. Chus Mateo varied his scheme with Hezonja and Deck in positions 3 and 4 to help Tavares in the paint and Madrid regained control from defence before the break after a 7-0 run in two minutes (36-31).

Madrid continued their good defensive momentum at the start of the third quarter. They also controlled the rebounding at the back and moved the ball very fluidly in attack. A three-pointer from Campazzo and a counter-attack dunk from Deck (who was injured when he fell) after a pass between the point guard's legs gave los blancos a nine-point cushion at 45-36 in the 13th minute. But Barça held on to stay alive in the game (57-51, min. 30).

Defence and Campazzo guide Madrid to victory
Madrid looked to close out the game quickly from the three-point line. This time without success and, their opponents brought the game level at 63-63 after a three-pointer from Parker with four minutes to go. From there to the end it was a fierce fight for every ball. Punter put his side back on top with four straight points after a three-pointer and a free throw as Chus Mateo conceded a technical foul (65-67, min. 37). But Madrid grew and a packed Palacio provided the necessary dose of energy. Campazzo stepped up. He scored five crucial points to lead a 7-1 run in a minute and a half, which put the Whites on the verge of victory with a +5 lead. Barcelona tried but Madrid's great defence in the last minute, where they did not concede any points to their opponents, secured the win in the Clásico (73-71, min. 40).

REAL MADRID-BARCELONA STATISTICS