Real Madrid Stumbles in EuroLeague Clash Against Milan (89-82)

Real Madrid faced a disappointing setback in the EuroLeague, falling 89-82 to a determined Milan side. After an impressive run of eight consecutive victories, including four in the EuroLeague, the expectations were high for this matchup. The team entered the game with confidence, especially against a Milan squad that had struggled recently, sitting sixth in their domestic league and mid-table in the EuroLeague. However, as is often the case in sports, the underdog can rise to the occasion.

Milan started strong, taking control of the game early and leaving Real Madrid scrambling to adjust. Marko Guduric stood out with a remarkable performance, scoring 22 points—his best outing of the season—despite having only surpassed ten points four times before this match. His offensive prowess proved to be a nightmare for Madrid’s defense. Nevertheless, Guduric’s efforts were overshadowed by Facundo Campazzo, who led all scorers with 25 points. The Argentinian guard was instrumental in keeping Madrid competitive, hitting three shots from beyond the arc without a miss.

Statistical Showdown

The battle from long-range was decisive, with Milan shooting an impressive 51% from three-point territory compared to Madrid’s dismal 28%. The contrast was stark as Madrid conceded 41 points within just 15 minutes of play, forcing them into a chase that proved too steep despite a spirited second half where they managed to cut the deficit to just four points. However, any hope of a comeback was dashed when Milan’s coach Sergio Scariolo made strategic changes that left Madrid’s momentum in tatters.

Missed Opportunities

Madrid had its moments of brilliance, particularly evident when they grabbed ten offensive rebounds within twelve minutes. Yet these opportunities failed to translate into points on the board. The team’s performance was marred by turnovers and missed shots; Mario Hezonja’s entry saw him contribute to two turnovers and miss four attempts. Alex Len also struggled under the basket, further compounding Madrid’s woes. As the game progressed, any glimmer of hope faded when Scariolo opted to bench his leading scorer at a crucial moment.

This defeat is certainly one to forget for Alberto Abalde and his teammates. A victory would have propelled Real Madrid into the top four of the EuroLeague standings alongside Valencia and Barcelona. Looking ahead, the team will seek redemption against Paris at the Movistar Arena on Thursday night, where they have been formidable at home with only one loss across all competitions this season.