The Real Madrid basketball team opened 2025 with a resounding victory against Bayern Munich, clinching the game 88-76 at the newly renamed Movistar Arena, formerly WiZink Center. This match also marked the fourth consecutive win for the Madrid team, dramatically boosting their standings as they approached the Euroleague playoffs. The atmosphere at the arena was electric, with fans celebrating the historic milestone for Sergi Llull, who became the player with the most appearances ever in Euroleague history, surpassing Kyle Hines.
Right from the outset, the home team took control, showcasing their offensive prowess and solid defense. The team was buoyed by stellar performances from key players: Dzanan Musa led the scoring with 15 points, followed closely by Mario Hezonja with 14 points, and Facundo Campazzo contributed 13 points, demonstrating their ability to share the scoring load effectively.
Despite the win, the match was not without its challenges for Real Madrid. Coach Chus Mateo had expressed confidence before the match, noting their improved defensive strategy compared to their previous encounters with Bayern. 'We are certainly at a good moment to face this opponent,' Mateo said, emphasizing the need for sustained focus throughout the match.
To start, the first quarter saw Real Madrid establish dominance with both teams showcasing moments of impressive skill. The quarter ended with Madrid leading 23-16, underscored by consistent offensive efforts from Alberto Abalde, who scored seven points early on. The early momentum was palpable, yet Bayern’s Niels Giffey kept things close with timely three-pointers.
Moving to the second quarter, Madrid expanded their lead to 47-30 at halftime, solidifying their control. They effectively capitalized on rebounds and maintained sound shooting, leaving Bayern struggling to find their rhythm. Coach Gordon Herbert struggled to inspire his team during the breaks as Madrid exploited their defensive lapses, dominating both ends of the court.
After halftime, Bayern made spirited attempts to turn the tide. Carsen Edwards and Shabazz Napier broke off key sequences to keep Bayern within sight. They managed to reduce the deficit, with Edwards being particularly aggressive, leading the team with 18 points by game’s end.
The third quarter showed signs of revitalization for Bayern, who won the quarter 20-15, keeping their playoff aspirations alive. But each time they cut the lead, Real Madrid responded with timely points, particularly from Hezonja and Campazzo, who fed off the home crowd's energy.
Entering the final quarter, Bayern appeared rejuvenated, with Edwards and Napier each hitting baskets as they tried to close the gap. The crowd at Movistar Arena held its breath as Bayern reduced the lead to single digits. With four minutes to go, the score was 82-73, and tensions rose steadily. Momentum swung momentarily to Bayern's favor, and the match grew jittery.
Yet, Madrid displayed their experience and savvy. With Campazzo’s composure under pressure and Hezonja’s excellent shooting, Real Madrid weathered the storm. Capping off his performance, Campazzo nailed important baskets, even converting on pivotal free throws after drawing fouls. 'The team showed resilience, and we need to keep this intensity going forward,' mused Campazzo after the game.
Memory of their earlier meeting this season, where Bayern emerged victorious by eight points, loomed over Madrid’s performance. This time around, Madrid not only sought revenge but also managed to reclaim the basket average over Bayern, which adds significant value to their playoff positioning.
Overall, Madrid controlled the rebounding game with notable contributions from Walter Tavares, who also scored, and Usman Garuba, who filled the gaps with his defensive efforts. Both teams exhibited valuable talents, but the day belonged to Madrid, leaving them optimistic as they geared up for the final stretch of the Euroleague.
On the personal front, Sergio Llull's milestone was widely celebrated, and he received heartfelt ovations from fans throughout the arena. After securing the victory, he expressed his gratitude, emphasizing the honor it was to play for Real Madrid through the years. 'This achievement reflects the trust and love I have for this club,' Llull remarked.
The reliance on dynamic scorers like Musa, Hezonja, and Campazzo gives Madrid depth as they leave behind their earlier struggles this season, indicating they are fierce contenders heading toward the playoffs.