Martínez calls for mentality after Madrid's defeat in the EuroLeague

The Real Madrid stumbles again in Euroleague during their visit to Tel Aviv. The whites suffered their third defeat in three matches against Hapoel, with a final score of 102-98 that does not fully reflect the development of the game. The most striking aspect was the 22-point comeback achieved by Pedro Martínez's team, who managed to tie the game in the final quarter (75-75) before giving in during the closing minutes.

This result places the Madrid team at its worst start in history in the top European club competition. The situation forced the coach to appear at a press conference in Sofia to analyze what happened and outline the way forward.

Two different faces in the same match

Pedro Martínez was emphatic in describing his team's performance. The coach pointed out that the match was divided into two completely different halves, both in defensive intensity and offensive execution. In the first half, the Real Madrid displayed poor defense that affected everything else. The direct result was a sluggish attack, lacking rhythm or ball movement, aspects that Martínez called "terrible."

However, the second half brought about a notable transformation. With a more aggressive defense, the whites managed to get back into the game. The comeback was hard-fought as Hapoel is a team with a lot of experience, but the Real Madrid demonstrated their ability to react by getting 2 points ahead at a crucial moment in the match.

Rotations, a weak point in the final stretch

It was precisely at that moment of greater control when the team needed to make changes to the lineup. The rotations that Martínez made did not work as expected, allowing Hapoel to regain control of the match. In the final minutes, the Israeli team played intelligently, using free throws to secure the victory. The coach acknowledged that Hapoel "deserved to win the match" after their smart final management.

This aspect of the rotations becomes one of the key areas to work on in the coming days. It's not only important to have players in good physical and mental shape but also to know when and how to make changes that maintain the team's positive flow without breaking the established rhythm.

Mindset and unity as a solution

Beyond the tactical and technical aspects, Pedro Martínez emphasized the need for a change in mindset within the team. The coach insisted that they need to work together with the conviction to improve day by day. For Martínez, this is a situation that requires time, not shortcuts or scapegoats.

The message was clear: it is not the time to look for excuses or blame. The Real Madrid must understand that they are going through a complicated situation, but the only way to overcome it is through collective effort and a change in attitude. Martínez highlighted that the team must be united in good times and bad, without divisions or internal blame.

A historic start to forget

The reality is that Real Madrid faces its worst start in the history of the Euroleague. Three losses in three matches is a painful statistic that requires a swift reaction. Although the comeback against Hapoel showed that the team has the resources to compete, the inability to close out matches is concerning.

Martínez's words reflect a certain controlled resignation. The coach does not deny the gravity of the situation, but he also does not panic. His message is that they need time for the mindset to change, to understand that things do not get fixed overnight, but that the only possible direction is forward.

The important thing now is for the team to absorb these words and turn them into actions. The Euroleague does not forgive, and Real Madrid knows that every passing match without a win increases pressure and complicates salvation. Pedro Martínez is right to call for patience, but it is also true that patience has limits in such a demanding competition.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Martínez pide mentalidad tras caída del Madrid en Euroliga