Real Madrid imposes its attack against Red Star

Real Madrid secured a commanding and brilliant victory over Red Star in the clash between the best offense and the best defense in the EuroLeague. Despite the absences of Campazzo, Maledon, and Jantunen, our team showcased its offensive potential, particularly in an incredible first quarter (38-20), and its squad depth to overcome a Serbian side, matching them in the standings with seven wins in 11 games. Luwawu-Cabarrot (22 points and a PIR of 24) and Procida, in his best performance in this competition as a madridista (19 points and a PIR of 22), stood out in a team where Smith Jr. (13 points) and Feliz (11) also excelled.

Our team delivered a spectacular first quarter, demonstrating why it is the best offense in the EuroLeague. They completely dismantled the championship's strongest defensive team, scoring 38 points—half of what they typically concede on average—in just 10 minutes. It was an exhibition of precision (9/9 in two-point shots, 4/9 in three-point shots, and 8/8 in free throws), total control of the rebound (12 to 1), and aggression. Procida, with 10 flawless points, and Luwawu-Cabarrot, with 8, led the +18 advantage (38-20, min.10) and a 52-13 in the PIR. 

Madrid reached its maximum lead at 44-20 in the 11th minute, a moment when they stalled due to a drop in shooting percentages and an increased intensity from Red Star, who equalized the rebounds and scored many points on fast breaks. Carter led his team to an 18-9 run in their favor, bringing them back into the game (46-39, min. 18). But Pedro Martínez's team reacted in time to halt the rival's momentum. Five points from Pradilla and a three-pointer from Smith Jr. in the final moments of the first half restored calm before halftime (56-41, min.20). 

Madrid regained the positive momentum from the start to decisively break the game in another excellent third quarter on all fronts. From their defense, which closed the paint and dominated the rebounds, to an offense that rediscovered its outside shooting accuracy (4 three-pointers) and the best versions of Feliz, Luwawu-Cabarrot, Procida, and Smith Jr. Seven almost consecutive points from the American player capped a 26-18 run in a period where our team reached a 25-point lead with 78-53 in the 28th minute. 

Team Victory
But Madrid was not going to ease up despite having the game decided. They continued to extend their lead in the final quarter, surpassing a 30-point margin with 92-61. Abalde and Llull joined the effort. Everyone stepped up to compensate for the team's significant absences, putting on a show against a Red Star team that arrived in great form but conceded 30 more points than their usual average in the EuroLeague. This marked their most dominant victory in Europe so far this season (105-84, min.40).

REAL MADRID-RED STAR STATISTICS

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