Real Madrid secured a decisive victory against Alba Berlin during the Euroleague match held at the Uber Arena on Thursday evening, significantly boosting their chances of climbing the standings as the competition heats up.
The match commenced with high expectations, particularly for coach Chus Mateo's squad, which had recently turned its fortunes around by defeating two top teams, Paris Basketball and Monaco. Mateo expressed his eagerness for the game, stating, "It's a game we need to win to boost our standings. We are very eager to take this match," emphasizing the importance of continuity and focus during the match.
From the opening tip-off, it was evident Real Madrid was on the hunt for victory. The first quarter showcased their offensive prowess, led by point guard Sergio Llull. The culmination of Llull's performance was particularly noteworthy as he was set to equal the record for the most games played in Euroleague history, matching Kyle Hines at 425 games. Llull didn't disappoint, hitting multiple three-pointers and contributing significantly to the team's early lead.
Real Madrid jumped to a quick start with aggressive plays and fluid ball movement. By the end of the first quarter, they held a substantial lead, outpacing Alba Berlin 28 to 15. Observers noted Madrid's effective shooting, with early contributions from players like Gaby Deck and Facu Campazzo, who facilitated several scoring opportunities.
Throughout the second quarter, the storyline took on an intensity as Alba Berlin tried to rally. Despite falling behind by as many as 17 points, the home team began to find their rhythm, led by Martín Hermannsson and Matt Thomas, who provided much-needed energy and scoring. Coach Israel González remarked, "We are working hard as a team; if we keep our intensity and defense, good results will come," reflecting the building confidence within his squad.
Real Madrid, on their part, struggled as the second quarter progressed but managed to keep Alba at bay thanks to consistent free-throw shooting from Campazzo. The halftime score saw Madrid leading at 45-34, but the late surge from Alba Berlin gave fans hope they could stage a comeback.
After the halftime break, the third quarter began with both teams exchanging baskets. Alba started strong, firing up their scoring efforts with Schneider hitting early three-pointers, but Madrid quickly responded to maintain their lead. An impressive play by Tavares under the basket extended the gap once more, showcasing Madrid's strength inside the paint.
Madrid's leaping ability and aggressive defense began to overwhelm Alba as they pushed the score to 52-39 midway through the third quarter. It was clear the game was slipping away from the home team, who struggled with shooting accuracy, falling victim to some poor shot selection and defensive lapses.
Despite the setbacks, Alba Berlin managed to string together several points, pushing back to cut the deficit. An 8-0 run late in the third was punctuated by Delow's contributions, raising the crowd's energy but not enough to shift the game dramatically.
Heading to the fourth quarter, Madrid maintained their structure and focus. Llull continued to shine, hitting another difficult three-pointer and demonstrating unwavering resolve. Observers noted, "Madrid has shown incredible shooting, leading with 10 triples by the end of the second quarter," solidifying their reputation as capable long-range shooters.
By the final moments of the game, the outcome was all but sealed as Madrid's defense stiffened against Alba's desperate attempts to close the gap. The final whistle sounded, confirming Real Madrid's victory at 73-62, leaving them positioned strongly within the Euroleague standings.
Looking forward, coach Chus Mateo expressed satisfaction with the effort of his team, noting the importance of consistency as they head toward the playoff contention phase of the Euroleague. The victory not only boosts Madrid’s record but also serves as momentum heading toward the latter half of the season. Meanwhile, Alba Berlin faces fresh challenges as they seek to regroup and find solutions to their struggles moving forward.
