A dramatic Euroleague clash saw Real Madrid edge Virtus Bologna 92-95. The Spanish side battled back from an early dip to secure a late visit to the edge of victory, a result that follows an uneven start to the season for Real Madrid, marked by four losses overall including three in continental action.
The opening minutes were patchy, with scoring scarce and nerves evident as the game got under way. The arena buzzed with anticipation, yet baskets were slow to materialize, a period that tends to unsettle both players and fans alike.
The momentum did not fully arrive until the fifth minute when the scoreboard showed a 7-5 balance in favor of Real Madrid. The home team briefly swapped offensive movement for defensive lapses, and Virtus capitalized through persistent pressure. By the end of the first period, Real Madrid led 24-18, reflecting a contest where both sides had their moments but the Spaniards held a slight edge.
Super Mario favorite Mario Hezonja showcased his shooting prowess, connected on multiple three-pointers, and helped carry the offense as the game moved into the second half. Hezonja repeatedly found space on the perimeter, contributing to Real Madrid maintaining a slender lead through the early stages of the second period.
The second act opened with a burst, Real Madrid attempting to pull away to a double-digit cushion, yet Virtus refused to wilt. The Italian squad responded with composure after an early deficit, trimming the gap and staying within striking distance. Mario Hezonja continued to drive the attack, while teammate Gabriel Deck delivered important scoring as well, contributing to a back-and-forth rhythm that kept the scoreboard tight.
rebound numbers from Real Madrid in the first period were matched by Virtus in the second, as both teams fought for every loose ball and second-chance opportunity. The game remained tight at halftime, with Real Madrid holding a 45-41 advantage after twenty minutes.
Ismael Bako and the Italian side offered a burst of offense to start the second half. The pressure increased as Bako and Iffe Lundberg paced Virtus with timely scoring, while Milos Teodosic threaded passes and hit shots that kept Real Madrid guessing. The momentum pendulum swung, and Virtus managed a quick 0-4 run to level the score at 45-45 in under a minute after a couple of defensive miscues from Real Madrid. The hosts called for a timeout to reset.
Real Madrid and Virtus tilted toward a more measured brand of basketball, with the tempo rising and tactical adjustments evident from both benches. The Spanish team endured a stretch of difficult attack, while Virtus gradually gained confidence, moving the ball with purpose and defending with increased vigor. Teodosic, in particular, found rhythm and delivered a sequence of three-pointers that reminded observers of his playmaking brilliance.
Real Madrid briefly protested a perceived illegal block on Tavares, drawing a technical whistle that jolted the arena. The moment punctuated a tense stretch late in the third, as Virtus extended the lead and forced Madrid to chase again.
Gabriel Deck gave an unequivocal sign of Real Madrid’s intent, rebounding and scoring to trim the deficit. The team entered the final minutes of the third period with the scoreline at 64-66, and the game still very much in the balance.
Ismael Bako kept delivering for Virtus as the minutes ticked away, and Bologna widened the gap to 66-78 by the end of the third quarter. The visitors pressed forward, with Virtus showing resolve on both ends of the floor, creating a window of opportunity before the final frame.
The countdown to the endgame saw the score stretch to 67-82 with 6:40 remaining. Real Madrid tightened its defense and tried to close the gap, aided by crucial three-pointers from Dzanan Musa and Deck. The late push reduced the margin to 73-84 with 5:15 left, but the comeback did not gain the necessary traction.
The intensity spiked as Madrid rallied, a burst that exemplified the contest’s drama. With Teodosic delivering decisive moments on the floor, Virtus steadied its footing and refused to relinquish control. The finish came with Real Madrid unable to bridge the gap completely, sealing a 92-95 result as the clock ran out.
Data sheet:
92 – Real Madrid (24 + 21 + 19 + 28): Deck (28), Tavares (13), Llull (0), Yabusele (7) and Musa (13) -five starts-, Abalde (0), Hanga (0), Hezonja (18), Rodriguez (0), Poirier (4), Cornelie (9) and Ndiaye (0).
95 – Virtus Bologna (18+23+27+27): Jaitem (12), Lundberg (18), Hackett (7), Mickey (6) and Ojeleye (5) -top five-, Cordinier (12), Pajola (2), Bako (16), Weems (3) and Teodosic (14).
referees: Matej Boltauzer, Saulius Racys and Marcin Kowalski. Gabriel Deck and Jordan Mickey were fouled out in the 40th minute.
Events: The match formed part of the Euroleague round five, played before 7,099 spectators at the Palacio de Deportes in Madrid. The appearance of Virtus coach Sergio Scariolo drew a standing ovation from the home crowd. [Attribution: DAZN España]