Real Madrid Seizes Control in Euroleague Opener Against Red Star
Real Madrid balanced a merciless start with disciplined defense to post a 72-56 victory over Red Star at home in a Euroleague clash that tested the team’s ability to convert early advantages into sustained momentum. The match unfolded with moments of rapid tempo and careful positioning, reflecting Madrid’s depth and experience as they juggled offense and defense across four quarters.
The opening period saw Madrid take the initiative, with Deck finding his early rhythm and contributing five of the first seven scoring opportunities. Across the court, Red Star relied on Dobrich as a long-range threat, though his attempts from afar were not consistently reliable and rarely translated into lasting answers for the visiting side.
As Madrid pressed forward, the Whites began to widen the gap. Cornelie added a productive scoring burst, complemented by the intelligent floor leadership of Sergio Rodriguez. The team ran off an 8-0 surge that included a three-pointer from the Netherlands, signaling Madrid’s intent to control pace and tempo. By the end of the first quarter, a fifteen-point cushion provided a reassuring baseline for Madrid, setting a tone that would be difficult for Red Star to overturn.
Up the floor came a moment of high energy, captured in a social quick-cut that showcased Sergio Rodriguez in motion on the fast break. The celebration underscored Madrid’s confidence as the team pressed with pace and precision, pushing the tempo to keep Red Star on the defensive and reactive rather than proactive.
In the fourth round, the Serbian side refused to wilt. They began the period by reclaiming ground and carving out a significant stretch that dented Madrid’s early cushion. The damage was amplified by a pair of perimeter baskets from Lucas Vildoza, who made his Euroleague debut for Red Star, injecting energy and belief into his team’s effort. The visitors leveraged those moments to trim the deficit and keep the game within reach, signaling a fight that Madrid could not take lightly.
Madrid’s response came quickly and decisively. The home team steadied its attack, converting high-percentage plays and defending with a collective tenacity that limited Red Star’s chances to close the gap. Despite Red Star’s renewed push, Madrid restored a nine-point lead by halftime, with Bentil and Dobric trading baskets for the guests as Tavares answered with crucial defensive and rebounding plays that stifled any immediate surge from the visitors. The halftime scoreboard reflected Madrid’s discipline, underscored by a controlled approach that kept Red Star off balance and out of rhythm.
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Real Madrid continued to press after the break, and the coaching staff urged their squad to maintain focus. The third quarter saw Madrid widen the gap further as Vildoza’s late basket of the period helped cement a ten-point edge, while Sergio Rodríguez remained a constant threat from beyond the arc. The team executed with crisp ball movement, finding open teammates and stretching the floor to prevent Red Star from collapsing Madrid’s lead with a single run of play.
In response, Red Star leaned on Bentil and Martin to spark a comeback. The Serbian team clawed back into striking distance and made it a two-possession game with a series of timely scores. Yet Madrid’s depth and composure shone through in the critical moments of the game, as Tavares anchored the late rotations and provided a measured, reliable presence in the paint, contributing to a decisive 10-0 stretch that effectively sealed the result.
In the closing minutes, Madrid demonstrated why they remain a difficult opponent in Euroleague play. The team closed gaps with steady free throws, controlled possessions, and assertive defense in the half-court that frustrated Red Star’s attempts to generate clean looks. The final sequence underscored Madrid’s ability to convert opportunities and manage the clock, finishing with a result that rewarded patience, execution, and a subtle edge in the small details that matter in European basketball.
Data sheet: 72 – Real Madrid (25+14+15+18): Abalde (6), Deck (12), Cornelie (7), Moses (13), Tavares (10) – five starts – Causeur (2), Sergio Rodríguez (6), Poirier (5), Hezonja (-), Llull (-), Yabusele (11), Ndiaye (-).
56 – Red Star (10+20+14+12): Dobric (8), Markovic (2), Lazarevic (2), Bentil (17), Raduljica (-) – five starts -, Vildoza (10), Netherlands (7), Mitrovic (2), Lazic (-), Martin (8), Ivanovich (-), Petrusev (-).
Referees: Sasa Pukl (SLO), Anne Panther (GER) and Robert Vyklicky (Czech). The match was played at the WiZink Center in Madrid and served as the fourth round of the Euroleague season.
Notes: Real Madrid showcased balanced scoring and a disciplined defensive plan that limited Red Star’s best looks and allowed the hosts to dictate the pace. The win reinforced Madrid’s position among the contenders in the group stage and demonstrated the team’s ability to respond to a challenging stretch without losing control of the game.