Madrid wins in Vitoria and adds nine consecutive victories

The Real Madrid triumphed at the Fernando Buesa Arena before 8,136 spectators with a score of 86-104, thus consolidating their ninth consecutive victory in Euroleague. The match played on Tuesday, October 27, in Vitoria left the European record at 5-3 for the whites, who demonstrated their offensive capacity by surpassing the 100-point mark for the second consecutive game after scoring 113 against Maccabi.

The team led by Pedro Martínez started with overwhelming intensity, scoring 30 points in the first quarter. This explosive start set the tone for the game and allowed the Madrid team to control the pace of the contest. The Baskonia defense could not contain the offensive flow of the visitors, who showed they were in fine form, also taking advantage of the limitations faced by their Vitorian rivals.

Maledon leads a shared attack with six double-digit scorers

Theo Maledon was the top scorer with 19 points, completing a versatile performance with 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and a valuation of 16 in just 22 minutes of play. The French point guard was particularly effective from long range, hitting 3 of 4 three-point attempts, and showed precision from the free-throw line with 4 of 5 free throws. His +24 plus/minus was the best individual record of the game, reflecting his defensive impact.

Alongside Maledon, five more teammates reached double-digit scoring, highlighting the distribution of offensive play. Walter Tavares was the highest-rated player of the night with a valuation of 22, accumulating 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks, demonstrating clear dominance in the paint. Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot contributed with 14 points, while Mikael Jantunen added 13 points with notable efficiency from the perimeter (4 of 4 on two-point shots). Damian Jones scored 13 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, and Andrés Feliz rounded out the sixth white scorer with 12 points.

Statistics revealing Madrid's dominance in Vitoria

The overall numbers reflect the superiority of the white team. Madrid made 12 of 29 three-point attempts (41.4%), distributed 22 assists compared to Baskonia's 17, won the rebounding battle 44 to 36, and accumulated 123 in valuation compared to the opponent's 83. These statistics show complete control of the game on both sides of the court, with a fluid offense and suffocating defense.

Baskonia, coached by Velimir Perasovic, faced significant limitations that Pedro Martínez himself acknowledged. A.J. Lawson was the top scorer for the Vitorians with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 20 in valuation, while Kobi Simmons also reached 17 points. Damion Baugh rounded out the home attack with 10 points and 8 assists. These figures, although respectable, were not enough to contain the Madrid push.

Pedro Martínez: caution and respect despite the winning streak

In the press room in Vitoria, the Madrid coach avoided euphoria despite achieving nine consecutive victories. "A good game for us. We shared the attack well, reading Baskonia's defenses effectively, and we did a good offensive job," Martínez evaluated as reported by the media. However, he noted, "In defense, we suffered a lot because they did not back down."

The coach was particularly cautious in acknowledging the opponent's circumstances. "Their situation is not good, with three injured players, and sometimes you have the luck on your side. It's something that didn't depend on us, but it's clear that it has favored us," he stated, showing a balanced view of the victory. Additionally, he sent a warning message to his squad: "We are respecting our rivals, and just because we're on a good run does not mean we should think we will win every game."

Martínez emphasized that Baskonia, with whom he worked previously, is a team with potential. "When they are healthy, they will be a very dangerous team; they have very good players and a great mentality. We need to respect them," he said. He also warned about the difficulty of facing a fully-fit Baskonia: "With another Baskonia, the difficulties will be much greater."

The Madrid recovery after a tough start

The victory in Vitoria is part of a remarkable transformation in Madrid's European journey. The white team started the Euroleague with three consecutive losses against Dubai, Anadolu Efes, and Hapoel Tel Aviv, but since then has achieved five straight wins: Partizan, Olimpia Milano, ASVEL, Maccabi, and now Baskonia. This change in trend has allowed Real Madrid to reach a record of 5-3 in the continental competition.

With this victory, the Madrid team is two wins behind Panathinaikos (7-1) and one win behind Valencia Basket and Fenerbahçe (both at 6-2). The day still has four pending matches that could alter the standings, but Real Madrid is positioned competitively on the table.

Context of the day and upcoming commitments

The match in Vitoria was also marked by the protest of the Baskonia fans, who whistled at the box and showed white handkerchiefs before the start of the game, reflecting the tension within the Vitorian club after a poor run of results.

Real Madrid traveled to Vitoria without Nick Smith Jr., while Baskonia faced the game with three key players injured, as highlighted by Pedro Martínez himself. Perasovic’s team continues in a complicated situation with a record of 1-7, sharing the last place with Olimpia Milano and accumulating five consecutive losses in the Euroleague.

The whites will have their next European challenge on Thursday, October 29, at 20:45 against Fenerbahçe in the ninth round of the competition. Meanwhile, Baskonia will visit ASVEL on Friday, October 30, at 20:00 in search of breaking their negative streak.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Madrid gana en Vitoria y suma nueve triunfos seguidos