Real Madrid makes its debut in the Euroleague after winning the Super Cup

Real Madrid kicks off the 2026/27 Euroleague with unwavering confidence. After lifting the Euroleague Supercup with a victory over Olympiacos, the whites now face a familiar opponent: Dubai, whom they narrowly defeated in overtime just a few days ago. This match, the first of three the team will play away from the Movistar Arena, marks the beginning of a season filled with expectations.

Pedro Martínez has started his tenure with the white team with immaculate results. The coach, regarded by many as the best coach in Europe last season, has implemented his philosophy from day one. "We must live in the present but think about what is to come and work hard," he stated just minutes after the win against the Greeks, clearly expressing his intention to maintain the upward momentum.

A renewed project with European ambition

Real Madrid is not the same team it was a few months ago. After fighting for the title until the final moments of the Final Four held in Greece, the white team has undergone a total transformation. From the coach to the offensive leaders, including role players, the structure has been redesigned. With Juan Carlos Sánchez back in the sports direction, the new project begins with excitement for a competitive and demanding Euroleague.

The changes in the roster reflect a clear idea: to win. Lifting trophies boosts motivation and generates credibility. The Euroleague Supercup has already shown that the new signings have come to understand and execute Pedro Martínez's vision. Names like Luwawu-Cabarrot, Pradilla, and Jantunen have quickly integrated into the system, all rowing in the same direction from the first training session.

Xavi Pascual's Dubai, the first hurdle

The opponent waiting for Madrid in the debut is a team hungry for success. Xavi Pascual leads a squad poised to fight for everything, reinforced with high-level signings like Elie Okobo, Toko Shengelia, and Mamadi Diakite. Madrid already suffered away last season and doesn’t want to repeat that dynamic this campaign. The victory in overtime the previous Friday clearly demonstrates the competitiveness of the matchup, but also the white team's ability to perform under pressure.

The context is favorable for the whites, but the margin for error is zero. The mentality is to win from the first match, with no missteps that could challenge the project. Every game in this initial phase will be an opportunity to consolidate the work done in preseason and prove that the change of coach and the roster renewal were the right decisions.

Defensive style and quick transitions

What sets Madrid apart from previous seasons is the speed of play and defensive intensity. Aggressive defenses, possessions of just a few seconds, and transitions that leave behind the static style that characterized the team in recent months. The Euroleague Supercup was a clear snapshot of the new white DNA. The signings not only brought individual quality but also a winning mentality and adaptability to the system.

Nick Smith Jr, the most recent addition, has not yet been registered on the Euroleague website, but his arrival reinforces the idea of a team that continues to seek improvement. The competition for positions and the depth of the roster ensure that Madrid can compete on all fronts without fear of performance drops.

The pillars of the white project

Edy Tavares, MVP of the continental tournament despite not playing an official game since Game 1 against Hapoel in the Playoffs, arrives in peak form. His presence in the paint is a top-level defensive and offensive asset. Facu Campazzo, tireless in his organizational and leadership role, provides maturity. Theo Maledon has stepped up in his development, while Gaby Deck remains a constant contribution on both facets of the game.

This group of players, led by Pedro Martínez's tactical vision, forms a competitive team from the very first match. The vibes could not be better, and the mindset is clear: the blank year is behind. Now it’s time to win, consolidate, and show European basketball that Real Madrid is serious in this new Euroleague era.

With the joy of starting a promising season on the right foot, Real Madrid opens the doors to continental competition. The runner-up from last season does not want any unpleasant surprises, but rather to confirm that the change has been positive and that the goals are ambitious. Dubai will be the first test, but the road is long and the expectations, immense.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Real Madrid debuta en Euroliga tras conquistar la Supercopa