Real Madrid Defeats Unicaja 102-90 in a High-Tempo Euroleague Showdown
Real Madrid leaned on a balanced offensive effort to secure a 102-90 victory over Unicaja, in a game marked by rapid scoring and streaky shooting from beyond the arc. The match, a crucial fixture in the Endesa League schedule, showcased Madrid’s depth and resilience as they navigated through injuries and fatigue to pull away late.
The opening stages saw Unicaja control several early exchanges, with Kendrick Perry orchestrating the attack and Yankuba Sima making early impressions from the interior. Jonathan Barreiro and Tyson Carter also contributed to the initial surge, setting a competitive tone even as Real Madrid looked to establish rhythm in a challenging contest. Madrid’s attention soon turned to a more collective approach, with Yabusele anchoring the offense and helping Real Madrid balance scoring from multiple players as the game progressed.
In the first half, Sergio Llull and Dzanan Musa joined Yabusele as principal scorers, and the teams traded baskets in a high-paced first half. By halftime, the score stood at 49-46, reflecting a contest where both defenses had brief lapses and fast-break opportunities dominated a portion of the action. The trio of Llull, Musa, and Yabusele formed the core of Madrid’s offensive push, while Unicaja relied on Perry, Ndiaye, and Osetkowski to keep things tight.
The atmosphere grew more intense as the second period unfolded. The game became a festival of three-pointers, with both teams finding success from long range. Early in the third, Madrid extended their advantage as Yabusele produced a pair of early triples that helped push the lead beyond a single possession. By the midway point of the quarter, Madrid’s shooters had found a rhythm, and the team established a series of scoring bursts that tested Unicaja’s defense. A late burst from Ndiaye added to Madrid’s lead, creating a multi-shot momentum that shifted the tide in favor of the home side.
As the fourth period began, Real Madrid continued to press, leveraging experience and accuracy to widen the gap. Unicaja fought to respond, but the Madrid defense remained persistent, limiting crucial opportunities and forcing contested looks. Fabien Causeur delivered a timely triple that helped push the advantage into double digits, and Madrid never relinquished control as the clock wound down. The final margin settled at 102-90, a testament to Madrid’s effective blend of inside presence and perimeter shooting.
Both teams tallied strong numbers across the board, with Real Madrid spreading the scoring burden. Williams-Goss, Causeur, Abalde, Yabusele, Ndiaye, Llull, and Musa contributed consistently, reflecting the team’s balanced approach. Unicaja’s top performers included Osetkowski, Perry, and Sima, who provided sustained scoring while the rest of the lineup worked to close the gap. In the end, Madrid’s experience and cohesion proved decisive as the clock ran out.
The encounter took place before a crowd in the Palacio de Los Deportes (WiZink Center) in Madrid, with 6,189 spectators present. The atmosphere—intense but respectful—set the stage for a game that underscored Real Madrid’s strategic depth and willingness to lean on multiple engines of scoring. Pre-game honors recognized Tavares as a standout defender, underscoring the team’s focus on defense-to-offense transition as part of their game plan. This victory adds a meaningful chapter to a season defined by resilience and collective effort. [CITE: Endesa League match report]
Data sheet:
102 – Real Madrid (24+25+30+23): Williams-Goss (13), Causeur (7), Abalde (5), Yabusele (28) and Ndiaye (5) -top five-, Randolph (2), Diagne (1), Gonzalez (0), Demin (0) , Cornelie (2), Llull (23) and Moses (16).
90 – Unicaja (24+22+28+16): Barreiro (10), Carter (7), Thomas (2), Perry (15) and Sima (8) -top five-, Osetkowski (24), Ejim (0), Kalinoski (6), Brizuela (6), Diaz (0), Kravish (10) and Thomas (2).
Referees: Emilio Pérez, Sergio Manuel and Rubén Sánchez. This neutral summary remains part of the official record. The match, part of the Endesa League regular season, highlighted the tactical chess match between the two squads and the impact of bench depth on late-game outcomes. [CITE: Endesa League official data]
Events: The contest represented the thirty-first day of the Endesa League regular season and was conducted with a strong atmosphere at the arena. The night also reflected Madrid’s ongoing efforts to refine their defensive schemes and maximize scoring efficiency across a broad roster. [CITE: Endesa League event log]