Victory against Partizan in Belgrade

Real Madrid set aside the EuroLeague temporarily to focus on the Copa del Rey with an important away victory against Partizan Belgrade, which places them at 17 wins and keeps them in playoff positions. Our team dominated for much of the game, with leads of up to 15 points, but it wasn't until the final minute, with a 6-2 run, that they sealed the win. Lyles (14 points and a PIR of 20), Hezonja (14 points and 17 PIR), and Tavares (13 points, 7 rebounds, and 15 PIR) led Scariolo's side, who will face another away game in the league in Málaga in 48 hours (Sunday, 7:00 pm; Dazn).

A frantic start at the Belgrade Arena with a very high pace and an intense physical level. Madrid withstood Partizan's initial surge, led by Calathes in playmaking and Bruno Fernando finishing, which lasted until the 7th minute. A mandatory television timeout gave both teams a breather to return to what was an intense battle for offensive rebounds (11 between both teams). With the score at 15-12, Madrid's second unit led an 8-0 run, with 5 points from Lyles, to finish the first quarter ahead (19-20).

Madrid takes control
The team displayed their best basketball at the start of the second quarter, solid in defense and moving the ball perfectly in attack. Maledon and Deck showed they were fully recovered, Garuba contributed his usual effort and excellent rebounding, and Lyles continued to make a difference. Another 7 points from the power forward (14 at halftime) led to a 6-16 run that set the biggest lead of the game (25-36, min. 26). Partizan fought back, encouraged by the incredible atmosphere at the Belgrade Arena, but Scariolo's side found answers in Hezonja and Tavares to hold them off in a quarter they also won 14-23 (33-43, min. 20).

Madrid extended their lead to 15 points midway through the third quarter. They controlled defensive rebounds, and Feliz, Okeke, and Hezonja created advantages on offense (45-60, min. 26). However, the dynamic shifted dramatically in the following minutes. Our team stopped doing the things that had allowed them to dominate the game, and Partizan capitalized. They hit several three-pointers and regained confidence, taking the lead at the start of the final period (63-62, min. 31).

The best version for the final minute
Madrid's lack of accuracy on offense persisted throughout most of the final quarter, forcing them to endure and fight for the win in the last minute. The silver lining was their defense, which remained solid and kept them in the game, along with several baskets and free throws from Deck and Tavares. With the score tied at 71, the final minute began. Scariolo's men showcased their winning mentality with a three-pointer by Feliz with 39 seconds left and a great defensive effort that forced a turnover by Bruno Fernando in the next play. Campazzo and Hezonja, from the free-throw line, secured a well-deserved victory for Madrid (73-77), their ninth consecutive win against the Serbian side.

Partizan-Real Madrid Statistics

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.