Madrid loses the Copa del Rey final

Real Madrid lost to Baskonia in the 2026 Copa del Rey final held at the Roig Arena in Valencia. The game started with a high-scoring first quarter. A strong start by Madrid, with great defensive intensity (two steals) and success from beyond the arc (Campazzo, Llull, and Hezonja hit three consecutive three-pointers), resulted in a 13-2 run in the first three minutes. Baskonia improved from the bench, and Madrid began to fade. Led by Luwawu-Cabarrot (7 points), the Vitoria side turned the score around, with the period ending in a tie (26-26).

The team takes the initiative
Baskonia gained a 4-point lead at the start of the second quarter after a three-pointer by Diakite. This was the prelude to Madrid's reaction. It came from their defense, closing off rival penetrations and securing defensive rebounds. They upped the tempo of the game. Feliz, with two three-pointers and 8 consecutive points, and Len in the paint, propelled Madrid to another significant run, a 14-0 that set the largest lead at 40-30 in the 15th minute. Scariolo's team remained more focused and solid for the rest of the first half, during which Tavares responded to the efforts of Omoruyi and Luwawu-Cabarrot (52-47, min. 20).

The intensity of the game increased in the third quarter, and Baskonia adapted to it first. Madrid struggled to stop Luwawu-Cabarrot and lacked the offensive fluidity of the first half. Realized it was going to be a physical battle, fighting for every ball, and changed their mindset. They did not let the Vitoria team take the lead. Campazzo and Hezonja, with individual plays, countered Forrest's impact, and with another surge in the final minutes of the third quarter, they managed to maintain a 5-point lead (72-67, min. 30).

Madrid tried until the very end
Garuba gave our team a 7-point lead in the 31st minute (74-67), but Madrid's advantage disappeared with an 8-0 run by Baskonia, putting them ahead for the second time in the final with 6 minutes left to play. Madrid was uncomfortable both in attack and defense. Forrest and Howard made things even more difficult with the score at 86-92 with 1:11 left in the game. Hezonja attempted a three-pointer to close the gap to three points. However, it lacked continuity in subsequent plays, and the Vitoria side sealed the game from the free-throw line (89-100, min. 40).

Real Madrid-Baskonia statistics

 

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