Victory on EuroLeague return to WiZink Center

Real Madrid overcame Zalgiris Kaunas on their EuroLeague return to WiZink Center five months after that unforgettable fifth match against Partizan. Chus Mateo's troops were once again impressive in attack, especially in the first half 53 points and in the last quarter, where they secured their third win in the competition. Campazzo 18 points, 9 assists and 28 in PIR, Poirier 18, 7 rebounds and 28, Deck 19 and 17 and Rudy 9, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 18, spearheaded a team in which everyone scored. This was Madrid’s their tenth official victory of the season, which prolongs their unbeaten run.
 
The madridistas were up against tough opposition from the outset who stood up to them and were strong on the offensive rebound and sharp from around the hoop. Giedraitis and Ulanovas kept their team in an exchange of baskets with Chus Mateo's men for much of the first quarter 13-14 min.7. However, Madrid stepped up a gear in attack. Campazzo, who had previously sent out a five-point warning, hit three three-pointers for a total of 14 points in the eight minutes he was on the court 15 in PIR. Another three-pointer in between by Yabusele sparked a 12-2 run to make it 25 in the first half 25-19, min.10.
 
Offensive onslaught
Zalgiris hung on thanks to the introduction of Mitrou-Long and got within two points at 30-28 in the 13th minute. But Madrid produced the goods, as they often do in attack, and when they combine this with a solid defence, they become very hard to stop. Rudy popped up with two three-pointers in a row and was influential in all areas of the game 4 assists and 4 rebounds. Sergio Rodríguez and Hezonja also stuck from 6.75m, while Poirier was involved in all the outstanding moves. The Whites went on another blistering 14-2 run, not letting the Lithuanians score for four minutes. With a 14-point, the visitors mounted a comeback that was countered by Campazzo, Causeur and Hezonja. By half-time, Madrid had scored 53 points, including 9 three-pointers 53-43.

The madridistas lacked more consistency in defence for them to open up the game. Zalgiris found the hoop again too easily courtesy of Evans and that gave them the confidence to push level. The visitors found themselves right back in the contest midway through the third quarter 55-52, min.16. Yet without the attacking precision of the first half, Madrid did not despair, and played patiently and remained focused on closing down their rebounding. From that point on, the Whites were able to counterattack and regain their offensive momentum. Deck, with 7 consecutive points, was instrumental in the 10-point lead Madrid gained going into the final quarter 72-62.
 
Hosts tighten up in defence
Madrid stood firm to kill off the Lithuanian resistance for good, producing their best defensive performance, with an extra level of intensity. Poirier and Tavares kept a tight rein on the zone they finished with three blocks apiece. And in attack they rediscovered their composure, with all the players contributing throughout the game. First Llull with five straight points and a signature three-pointer, Deck, Campazzo, who came close to a double-double 18 points and 9 assists and the French centre. Poirier, with the essential support of Sergio Rodríguez, was superb in the final stretch 18 points. He produced the most outstanding plays to lift the WiZink Center, which gave him a standing ovation on the occasion of his birthday 93-79, min.40. In less than 48 hours, the Whites host EA7 Emporio Armani Milan Thursday, 8.45pm CET.
 
REAL MADRID-ZALGIRIS KAUNAS STATISTICS