Madrid’s Resurgence: A Dominant Victory in kaunas
Real Madrid completed a remarkable turnaround in Kaunas, securing a decisive 83-64 victory over Zalgiris. This triumph marks their fifth consecutive Euroleague win and ninth in their last ten games across both Euroleague and ACB competitions,showcasing a dramatic shift in fortunes as their early season struggles.
The journey back to the top began on a somber note. On December 12th, Madrid suffered their third consecutive euroleague defeat, falling to Zalgiris on their home court. This loss seemed to signal a low point in their season. However, facing the same opponent in the electrifying atmosphere of Kaunas, with 15,000 fervent fans roaring them on, Chus Mateo’s squad delivered a resounding statement.
This victory was not solely reliant on the brilliance of their star players, Campazzo and Tavares. Instead, it was a testament to the team’s collective effort and defensive tenacity. Leading the charge was musa,who poured in 17 points,spearheading a balanced offensive performance.
The initial stages of the game proved challenging. Zalgiris capitalized on Madrid’s early struggles from beyond the arc, connecting on six three-pointers while Madrid missed all seven of their attempts. This resulted in a 26-15 deficit at the end of the first quarter.
However, Madrid’s resilience shone through. Ibaka, a towering presence both inside and surprisingly from beyond the arc, emerged as a key contributor, providing valuable support for Tavares. Musa’s explosive scoring ability also came to the forefront, injecting energy into the Madrid offense.By halftime, the score was tied at 34-35, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Madrid seized control after the break. Ndiaye dominated the boards, Musa continued his scoring onslaught, adding seven points in a blistering 20-second span, and the team built a commanding 46-65 lead.Zalgiris’ struggles from outside the arc prevented them from mounting a comeback,allowing Madrid to cruise to victory.
Baskonia Falls Short in a Tight Contest
Meanwhile, Baskonia suffered a narrow 76-74 defeat against Virtus Bologna. A last-second three-point attempt by Rogkavopoulos to snatch victory fell short at the buzzer. Morgan, Cordinier, and Poland led the scoring for Virtus, each contributing 17, 16, and 15 points respectively. Samanic emerged as Baskonia’s top scorer with 16 points.
With this loss, Baskonia now shifts their focus back to the domestic league, aiming to secure a spot in the upcoming Copa del Rey.
From Slump to Surge: A Conversation with coach Pablo Laso About Real Madrid’s EuroLeague Revival
Real Madrid’s recent resurgence in the EuroLeague is turning heads. After a rocky start to the season, including a tough loss to Zalgiris, they’ve roared back to life, winning five straight EuroLeague games and nine of their last ten across all competitions.This dramatic turnaround begs the question: what changed? To get some insight,I sat down with legendary coach, Pablo Laso,who led Real Madrid to two EuroLeague titles during his illustrious tenure.
Moderator: Coach Laso, thanks for joining me. Real Madrid’s recent form is truly impressive. What do you attribute this turnaround to after their dip earlier in the season?
Pablo Laso: It’s always a combination of factors. Firstly, credit to Chus Mateo and his staff for making the necessary adjustments. Basketball is a game of momentum and confidence. After that tough loss to Zalgiris in Madrid, the team clearly needed to refocus.They’ve shown tremendous resilience, particularly their ability to bounce back after a slow start against Zalgiris in Kaunas.
Moderator: Speaking of that Kaunas game, it was a statement win for Madrid. Musa was fantastic, but it seemed like everyone stepped up. How important is that collective effort for this team?
Laso: Absolutely crucial. it’s never about just one player, especially in a competition as demanding as the EuroLeague. Musa’s explosiveness is a real asset, but the contributions of Ibaka, Tavares, and the entire supporting cast are what make Real Madrid perilous. They’re playing unselfish basketball, sharing the ball, and trusting each other.
Moderator: Looking at Baskonia’s narrow loss to Virtus Bologna, it was a heartbreaker. Do you think their focus on Copa del Rey qualification might be impacting their performance in the EuroLeague?
Laso: It’s a fine balance.You want to be competitive in every competition, but sometimes you have to prioritize. Baskonia has a young, talented squad, and they haven’t quite figured out how to manage those competing demands just yet. It’s a learning experience.
Moderator: Real Madrid’s turnaround is a compelling narrative. What do you think are their chances of a deep playoff run?
Laso: They’re definitely contenders. They have the experience, the talent, and the coaching staff to make a serious challenge. But the EuroLeague is incredibly competitive. Anything can happen.
What are your thoughts on Real Madrid’s resurgence? Can they sustain this momentum and elevate themselves to championship contenders? Share your opinions and join the conversation below!
