Real Madrid Dominate in Fuenlabrada Derby, Displaying Depth and Precision
Real Madrid arrived with a clear plan and executed it with aggressive ball movement and relentless defense, overpowering Carplus Fuenlabrada with a final score of 102-78. The visitors opened with intensity, casting a long shadow over the home squad and setting a tone that left little room for a dramatic comeback. The matchup highlighted Madrid’s depth as they stretched the lead time after time, while Fuenlabrada fought hard but could not sustain the pace required to keep pace with Europe’s top contenders.
The clash served as a prelude to a demanding week in the EuroLeague, where teams like Fenerbahce and Partizan loomed near, challenging Madrid to maintain focus and consistency. The White team used the derby environment to steer the game back to its preferred tempo as soon as possible, aiming to lock in routine and rhythm ahead of tougher tests on the horizon.
From the opening minutes, Madrid found its footing behind a disciplined execution. Fuenlabrada conceded the first major run, and Madrid capitalized with a cascade of quick points. Causeur, who had not faced Virtus Bologna recently, discovered several comfortable shooting positions and delivered with authority. He moved with purpose, converting a string of opportunities and helping Madrid surge ahead. Deck and Hanga contributed to the early surge, setting the tone for an episode that would widen the gap early in the game.
Christian Eyenga’s night, though memorable for other reasons, was a talking point among fans and observers alike as the action unfolded. The atmosphere around the arena remained electric, with social media buzzing as fans debated the play and the strategy in real time.
Defensively, the visitors pressed with intensity, and Keanu Pinder stood out for his quick, aggressive play. He disrupted the home attack and chipped in with seven of his team’s first nine points, shaking off a slow start by Fuenlabrada and re-energizing Madrid’s defense with his own pace and tenacity.
As the game progressed into the second quarter, Madrid continued to rotate smartly through its lineup. Poirier provided a strong two-way presence, contributing on both ends of the floor and allowing Madrid to maintain a steady rhythm. For the home side, Marc García sparked a late first-half push with a 9-2 run that included the club’s sole triple in the period, offering a glimmer of optimism for the locals as they tried to close the second quarter with momentum.
After the halftime break, Madrid tightened its grip. The three-pointer shooting of Tavares and Cornelie helped push the lead to about 30 points, with the visitors maintaining control and executing their game plan with clarity. The gap did not simply reflect a wave of scoring but a series of deliberate possessions that kept Fuenlabrada at arm’s length and allowed Madrid to dictate the tempo for long stretches.
The third stanza saw a concerted push from Madrid as Hanga, in particular, sparked a rally. Yet Fuenlabrada responded with vigor, trading baskets and fighting to stay in the contest. Pinder again led a counterpunch, and his presence helped the home team reclaim some momentum. Still, the Madrid defense stood firm, reframing the attack and preventing a late surge that could shift the balance of the game. The visitors pressed on, building a steady lead and keeping the outcome largely in their hands as the final ten minutes approached.
Madrid’s bench remained productive, contributing in tandem with the starters to maintain a tall margin. In the closing period, a critical moment came when Causeur connected on a decisive three-pointer with 1:50 remaining, sealing a calm and controlled finish for Madrid. The game concluded with a sense of procedural efficiency rather than drama, as Real Madrid secured a convincing win in a match that showcased their depth and disciplined approach.
In the box score, Madrid’s balance was evident. Hanga, Causeur, and Deck led the scoring with solid showings, while Cornelie and Tavares anchored the frontcourt with reliable production. Abalde, Yabusele, Musa, and Ndiaye also contributed, ensuring the team spread the workload across positions. The result reinforced Madrid’s standing in the league and provided a blueprint for how they could navigate a demanding schedule in the near term.
The matchup took place on the twenty-fourth day of the Endesa League, before 4,981 spectators at the Fernando Martín Pavilion in Fuenlabrada. The crowd witnessed a game that balanced high-intensity defense with efficient, patient offense, a combination that underlined Real Madrid’s readiness for upcoming challenges and reaffirmed their status among Europe’s elite teams.
Data sheet updates reflect a team-wide effort. Carplus Fuenlabrada saw Novak and Marc García contribute meaningfully, while Kromah, Horton, and Pinder added to a competitive effort that never quite matched Madrid’s consistency. Real Madrid, meanwhile, spread the scoring load across a robust lineup, with Hezonja, Poirier, Abalde, Yabusele, Musa, Sergio Rodríguez, and Ndiaye among the key contributors in double-digit totals or crucial plays that defined the game’s progression.
Referees for the night were Daniel Hierrezuelo, Joaquín García, and Fabio Fernández. The contest, staged as part of the league schedule, offered a clear demonstration of Madrid’s capacity to impose their game plan and control the pace against a determined Fuenlabrada side.