Madrid, January 21 (EFE). Surne Bilbao Basket’s coach Jaume Ponsarnau reflected on a difficult Endesa League defeat to Real Madrid at the WiZink Center, a game decided by a wide margin that left his team with plenty to learn. The scoreline read 95-80 in favor of Real Madrid, a result that underscored the challenges Bilbao faced on the road against a club eager to prove its dominance on both ends of the floor.
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Speaking after the game, Ponsarnau commented that the opposition was composed of players who seek ball movement and mutual understanding, and that Real Madrid demonstrated those attributes throughout the contest. He noted that his own team showed moments of struggle, with players who did not yet know how to fit into the game plan H saying that draws lessons from losses is essential for growth. In his view, there remains a substantial portion of the league ahead, making forthcoming clashes with Madrid all the more compelling and relevant for development.
Ponsarnau offered a tactical breakdown of the match, pointing to a soft start. Real Madrid responded with energy, registering early traction that reflected the comfort of players like Campazzo who found rhythm with teammates. He observed that several Bilbao players failed to execute dribbling moves that had been possible in other settings, a misstep that fed Madrid’s transitions and counterattacks. The coach highlighted how Madrid’s open-floor efficiency had improved and was a significant factor in the game flow.
The second period illustrated the identity Bilbao is pursuing. The coach described it as a reminder of the team’s defensive solidity, clear communication, and the ability to disrupt the opponent’s tempo. Offensively, Bilbao showed some of their best execution, but Madrid responded decisively in the third period, exerting pressure and taking control. The result was a display of superiority that left Bilbao needing to absorb the lesson and respond with resilience. The terminology used painted a picture of a young team learning to cope with the pressure of a top squad in a high-caliber setting.
On the topic of player development, Ponsarnau discussed Keith Hornsby’s debut for Bilbao. He praised the player’s mindset and the pace he brought to the court, especially without the ball, which helped shape offensive opportunities. While Hornsby did not find his rhythm from three-point range in this particular game, the coach emphasized the positive signs and the adaptability shown by the newcomer. The discussion also touched on how much time and trust a new player might need to assimilate the team’s offensive and defensive schemes, along with how the backcourt rotation performed under the game’s demands. In terms of decision-making, the coach noted a few misreads but also several correct calls that demonstrated potential for growth as the season progresses.
The overall takeaway centered on growth through adversity. Ponsarnau stressed that losses serve a purpose: they force teams to assess, adjust, and improve. He underlined that there is a long season ahead with opportunities to refine dynamics, bolster cohesion, and cultivate a more consistent approach to both ends of the floor. The emphasis remained on collective improvement, player development, and the ongoing process of building a team capable of competing at the highest level in the Endesa League against formidable opponents like Real Madrid.