Data sheet
In Madrid, Real Madrid opened their Endesa League playoff draw with a commanding 95-68 victory over Dreamland Gran Canaria. The opening exchanges were honest, but as soon as Sergio Rodriguez stepped onto the court, the balance tilted decisively in favor of the home team. The Canaries managed only seven minutes of resistance before Madrid seized control and never looked back.
Early on, Gran Canaria kept the game tight at 11-9 midway through the first quarter, with Guerschon Yabusele hampered by an early setback while Dzanan Musa carried Real Madrid’s attack. After that brief spell of contention, the visitors faded, and Madrid surged ahead. A late run helped close the opening period with a 22-13 cushion for the hosts.
Things deteriorated rapidly for Gran Canaria after the break. They registered their first basket at 6:15 into the second period as part of a 19-0 run that extended to a 41-15 advantage, part of a 30-6 burst across the nine minutes from inside the second quarter. The mismatch was obvious: the islanders had no answer when Real Madrid pressed with energy and precision. The home team entered halftime with a comfortable 51-25 lead, taking full advantage of the highway laid out by their opponent.
Gran Canaria tried to steady themselves after the break, tightening their defense in an effort to spark a comeback. But the momentum had already swung in Real Madrid’s favor, and the reigning powerhouse pursued the playoff first spot with measured efficiency. Olek Balcerowski, Vitor Benite, and Damien Inglis provided productive contributions, yet the gap remained unaffordable for the visitors. By the end of the third quarter, the score stood at 70-47 in Madrid’s favor.
The final quarter offered little drama as Madrid handled the clock, managed energy, and while Gran Canaria reduced the margin, there was never a realistic path to victory. Real Madrid sealed the playoff opener with a 95-68 win, a performance that showcased their depth and control throughout the match.
Data sheet: Real Madrid 95 – players: Williams-Goss, Hanga, Tavares, Yabusele, Musa top five scorers; Causeur, Randolph, Rudy Fernández, Hezonja, Sergio Rodríguez, Llull, Ndiaye also contributed. Gran Canaria 68 – Balcerowski, Slaughter, Albicy, Brussino, Shurna top five; Inglis, Kljajic, Benite, Salvó, Diop, Nikolic added impact. Referees: Fernando Calatrava, Jorge Martinez, Joaquin Garcia. Attendance: 7,558 at the Palacio de Los Deportes in Madrid. Notable moment: former Real Madrid player Trey Thompkins drew the loudest applause from the stands. [Cited: Endesa League records]