Real Madrid came away from this week's demanding EuroLeague away double-header with two victories. On Tuesday, with a big win at Red Star, and just 48 hours later with a hard-fought win at Alba Berlin. Chus Mateo's men came into the game in spectacular fashion with a 34-15 lead in 13 minutes. A lead that they were able to defend showing great dedication against the persistence of an opponent that made it very difficult for them in the second half. But the Whites responded again at key moments to achieve their thirteenth win in the competition and remain leaders after 19 games. Musa was the team's top scorer with 15 points and Tavares the most valued with 20 index rating points.
Madrid came out prepared for the Germans' approach, who took no chances and set a very fast pace right from the start. Our boys followed their game plan to perfection in order to defuse the home side's danger: control on the rebound, running when they could and when they could not they moved the ball very well in static situations without rushing and showed great poise when it came to scoring. Causeur (8) and Hezonja (6) stood out in this facet to make it 12-25 after 10 minutes.
Take-off and Control
Our boys were more than sharp from beyond the 6.75 line and three consecutive three-pointers at the start of the second quarter increased the difference to +19 in the 13th minute. Madrid were handling the game with solvency thanks to a good defensive balance and a high level of concentration. In the following minutes up until half-time, they had to deal with Alba Berlin's first major onslaught. Their success in three pointers, especially from Smith and Lo, and some offensive rebounds brought them closer on the scoreboard, but always at a distance of more than 10 points. Chus Mateo's team put the brakes on the home side's advances. Williams-Goss and Hanga took charge of this with several important baskets (35-46, 20th minute).
Video.77-84: Madrid Nails Full House in Euroleague Double-header
The game got complicated in the third quarter. Our boys showed great resistance as the local side grew thanks to an immense Koumadje and Blatt. The Germans continued with their outside success and now also had a presence on the inside, winning the game on the rebound. Madrid did not look comfortable. A good spell from Cornelie in the final stretch of this period allowed us to go into the final period with a 7-point lead (59-66, 30th minute).
Reaction Time and Llull Passes Sentence
They had to continue suffering because the home side felt confident and managed to get within two points at 64-66 in the 31st minute. A time-out by Chus Mateo changed the dynamic of the game. Madrid regained their solidity at the back and closed off their opponents' scoring opportunities. Just as they did against Red Star, their reaction was definitive. Musa and Tavares led an 8-3 run to take a +10 lead. Alba Berlin tried one last time, but with a minute left, at 74-79, Llull emerged to clinch the game with a basket and a three-pointer (77-84, 40th minute).
ALBA BERLÍN-REAL MADRID STATISTICS
