Real Madrid were dealt the first defeat of their Euroleague campaign in the Clásico clash at the Palau Blaugrana. The game was defined by Barça’s significant lead, which they built up early on and took to 18 points with 29 minutes on the clock. Chus Mateo’s boys refused to let their heads drop though and came within touching distance of the comeback at the death, as Llull had the winning shot in his hands but fell just short in the final play. Deck (21 points and PIR of 23) and Cornelie (12 and 12) were the top performers for our team, as Abalde made his return from injury.
The hosts got the match underway in strong fashion, proving fluid in offense as Satoransky took control under the post and Kalinic looked in fine fettle. A 16-6 run in three minutes was the story of the first quarter, where Real Madrid trailed throughout and just couldn't get themselves into the game (24-15, min.10). Only the entrance of Llull and Tavares towards the end of the opening period gave our team increased presence around both baskets.
Defensive improvement
Madrid had tightened things up at the back but were still lacking continuity in offense. Tavares' intimidation factor alongside the trio of Deck, Yabusele and Llull, helped our team to a 4-10 to come within 3 points at 30-27 halfway through the second quarter, even having a possession to level the game. That was another turning point in the first half as Barça quickly wrested back the initiative and took their advantage to +13 thanks to Vesely's purple patch from mid-distance. A Hezonja triple, the second for the madridistas in 20 minutes, brought that down to 10 at the break (40-30).
Video.75-73: Defeat in the first Euroleague Clásico
The game had turned increasingly physical, with Barça playing the hard game now. Madrid, led by the relentless Hezonja for this spell, continued in their attempts to find their feet and began scoring with more freedom once they closed out the rebound and got space to run. Despite a better period, they came up against their rivals' triples time and again to see the lead grow ever larger (61-43, min.29).
Real Madrid never know when they're beaten
Madrid were never going to roll over easily. Things might not have been going their way but they dug deep to bring out that fighting spirit and the ability to overcome adversity. Not only did they compete until the final moments, they actually had the final possession their favour with which to win the game. Llull's shot that would have completed a phenomenal comeback which started at 18 down in minute 29 just wouldn't drop in. Before the end of the third quarter, Cornelie led a 1-9 run to get back within 10 points (63-52, min.30). Barça continued to turn to their accuracy from the outside to thwart our team, who gave it everything they had to stay well in the game heading into the closing stretch as Deck stepped up. Ultimately, the Clásico went the way of Barcelona (75-73) and now attentions turn back to the league and this Sunday's meeting with Joventut at the WiZink Center (7:30pm CEST).
BARÇA-REAL MADRID STATISTICS
