Madrid lose first EuroLeague clash

Real Madrid were unable to get off to a winning start in the EuroLeague away to Virtus Bologna. The Whites battled until the end and came close to completing a comeback, but their misfiring from beyond the three-point line and the home side's determination prevented Scariolo's charges from prevailing. Hezonja was Madrid's top scorer with 14 points.
 
Madrid had a strong first quarter at the Paladozza in Bologna. The Whites defended extremely diligently, limiting Virtus Bologna to 14 points. They mitigated Edwards, who only managed to score a three-pointer early on, while Tavares and Bruno Fernando were strong in the paint. Hezonja (6 points) spearheaded a balanced attack to dominate the early stages, with Scariolo utilising 11 players (14-19, min.10).
 
Madrid lacking accuracy from the outside
The Italians injected more intensity and speed into their game in the second quarter. It paid off and they caught Madrid off guard, who, without the triple and the offensive rebound, lacked defensive balance. Vildoza, Morgan and Niang provided many more attacking solutions for their team, who turned the score around and took the lead from the 15th minute onwards. Madrid managed to bounce back before the break with a 6-2 run (38-35, min.20).
 
Scariolo's men seemed to regroup in defence after coming back out of the locker room, and were much more aggressive to prevent their opponents from running. They also closed down the rebounding at the back. Tavares exploited the zone and Deck levelled the game at 43 in the 25th minute, but not without some hustle, because the three-pointers were still not coming. Six straight points from Edwards put an end to the comeback. Okeke hit Madrid's first three-pointer in the 28th minute, but Virtus closed the third quarter ahead (55-50, min.30).
 
Madrid unable to force overtime
The Madridistas continued to persist from outside but lacked accuracy and the Virtus were in a confident mood. The gap increased in the final quarter to 12 points after a three-pointer by Edwards on 36' (66-54). Madrid returned with character and spirit, with Campazzo at the forefront. He orchestrated a 14-4 run over the next three minutes to go into the final quarter just two points down. They had the chance to tie the game with a dunk by the Argentinian point guard that was blocked by Smailagic for a possible personal foul. It did not go in and the Italians sealed the game from the free-throw line (74-68, min.40).

STATISTICS FROM VIRTUS BOLONIA-REAL MADRID