Madrid breaks losing streak in EuroLeague against Partizan

The Real Madrid has found the way out of its initial crisis in the EuroLeague. The 86-76 victory against Partizan at the Movistar Arena marks a turning point for a team that came into this match with an unprecedented 0-3 record in its continental history. Pedro Martínez has successfully completed a complicated mission against an undefeated rival, demonstrating that the whites still have the ability to turn around adverse situations when they find their best basketball version.

Dominance in the first half

The match began with an initial equilibrium. During the first quarter, both teams were gauging each other without clearly defining the game (12-12 at the midpoint of the period). However, Real Madrid accelerated in the following minutes, finding offensive and defensive rhythm that allowed them to close the first quarter with a three-pointer from Andrés Feliz at the buzzer: 27-19. This initial score was decisive in establishing the foundations for what was to come.

The second quarter dramatically widened the gap. A devastating 8-0 run forced Joan Peñarroya to call a timeout, but the damage was already done. The lead for the Madrid team reached 19 points. Walter Tavares, the Cape Verdean center, was crucial during this phase with his defensive contributions and rebounding (4 points and 2 rebounds in the final stretch of the second quarter). At halftime, the scoreboard reflected a commanding dominance: 53-37. A 16-point difference that seemed decisive for the interests of the whites.

Partizan's reaction and Madrid's response

Partizan, despite traveling without three key players (Lamar Stevens, Derek Willis, and Vanja Marinkovic), did not surrender after the break. Their exit from the locker room was explosive with a 0-9 run that brought the Serbs dangerously close. In just a few minutes, the lead was reduced to just seven points, which forced Real Madrid to quickly regain its footing.

Tavares was tasked with stopping the bleeding with a dunk that restored calm to the whites. From that moment on, Pedro Martínez's team regained its defensive solidity, especially with the center on the court. The offensive contributions from Alex Pradilla and Chuma Okeke in the third quarter were decisive in maintaining the distance. The Madrilenians entered the final period with a 14-point lead (71-57), a sufficient cushion to manage the closing of the match.

A straightforward finish

The final quarter began with another favorable run for Real Madrid (12-6) that practically sealed the game. Although Partizan won the final segment (15-19), the contest was already decided. The whites never allowed their rivals to threaten a victory that came at the most critical moment of their European season.

The scoring distribution in Real Madrid was balanced and symptomatic of a team that functions when everyone contributes. Theo Maledon led the scoring chart with 13 points. Facundo Campazzo added 12 in an Argentine duel against Luca Vildoza, who only scored 2 points. Andrés Feliz and Nick Smith Jr. each contributed 9 points, while Alex Pradilla and Walter Tavares rounded out the contributions with 8 points. For Partizan, Carlik Jones was the top scorer with 19 points, Ethan Thompson added 14, and Tonye Jekiri completed the offensive trio with 11.

Competitive context and next steps

With this victory, the landscape of the EuroLeague has changed significantly. The Real Madrid result coincided with Maccabi Tel Aviv's victory over Olimpia Milano, a fact that eliminates all teams from being undefeated. No team continues with a perfect record in the competition. The whites wrap up their day with a record of 1-3, while Partizan stands at 3-1. Only Valencia Basket and Panathinaikos maintain their undefeated status in this phase of the competition.

The victory at the Movistar Arena represents much more than three points in the standings. It confirms that Real Madrid has the capacity to compete in the highest continental competition when it manages to connect its defensive and offensive systems. Pedro Martínez has demonstrated that the team remains competitive despite the catastrophic start, and that is the most valuable takeaway from this match.

The whites will have no time to enjoy this first European joy. This Sunday, the team returns to Liga Endesa with a domestic challenge against Kids&Us Manresa at 12:00 hours. The pace of competition is frantic, and each match accumulates importance in a packed schedule that allows no breathing room.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Madrid rompe racha negra en EuroLeague ante Partizan