Real Madrid bounced back emphatically from recent setbacks in the Euroliga, claiming a convincing 106-69 victory over Río Breogán at the WiZink Center on December 15, 2024. The match not only served as a morale booster for Los Blancos but also highlighted the struggles facing their opponents, who missed key player Charlie Moore due to injury.
The game kicked off poorly for Río Breogán, who registered a meager eight points in the first quarter. Such dismal shooting only underscored Real Madrid's offensive efficiency. Coach Chus Mateo's squad utilized their depth effectively, with notable contributions from Dzanan Musa, who led the scoring with 22 points.
Real Madrid established early dominance, propelled by Gaby Deck’s aggressive offense, which saw him score 14 points and gather six rebounds throughout the match. The hosts set the pace early, prompting Coach Luis Casimiro of Río Breogán to call for timeouts to stem the bleeding as Madrid quickly surged to a 14-2 lead.
The second quarter saw Río Breogán momentarily regain composure and reduce the deficit to as few as four points. They managed to cut the lead, aided by some sharper offense and defensive rebounds, but faced stern opposition from Madrid. The gap widened again as Sergio Llull hit two consecutive threes, pushing Madrid to their biggest lead of the half at 43-29.
Coming out of halftime, the game unfolded much to Madrid's liking. The third quarter belonged to Musa, who scored 12 points and kept Breogán’s defense guessing. Usman Garuba's athleticism brought energy to the floor, completing the quarter with a powerful dunk as Madrid headed to the final stretch with a significant 70-48 lead.
The final quarter saw Real Madrid engage in what can only be described as offensive fireworks, racking up 36 points—their highest total for any quarter this season. The crowd at the WiZink Center reveled as Madrid turned the matchup positive amid palpable uncertainties surrounding their recent performances. They reached the remarkable milestone of scoring over 100 points, showcasing their three-point shooting prowess as they navigated through Breogán’s defensive lapses.
While Río Breogán held the offensive rebound advantage, they struggled to convert their chances, finishing with poor shooting stats, particularly from beyond the arc where they were limited to 6/34. Their 21/22 from the free-throw line was one of the few positives on what proved to be a challenging outing.
After the match, Luka Doncic commented, “It was important for us to get back to winning ways. We played with confidence.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the squad, as coach Mateo emphasized the need for consistency as Los Blancos head toward tougher fixtures.
Looking to the future, Madrid is set to face serious challenges as they prepare for double matches against Paris Basketball, the current leaders of the Euroliga, and AS Monaco next week. The win against Breogán was not just about securing points but about rebuilding the confidence lost from recent performances.
With this solid win, Real Madrid continues to remind both their supporters and rivals alike of their prowess, leaving fans eager for the next test.
