Real Madrid extended its winning streak against Alba Berlin as the EuroLeague night unfolded at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin. The German side pushed hard, forcing a late surge from a Madrid squad eager to demonstrate consistency and control against a determined opponent.
The opening minutes produced a dynamic back-and-forth, but Real Madrid quickly asserted its rhythm. A blistering 0-7 run, sparked by a sequence of points from Causeur, gave the visitors an early edge. The Madrid guard showed sharp decision-making and a knack for striking at pivotal moments, especially after Alba Berlin had just converted from a free throw. The early burst set the tone for a first quarter where Madrid looked to capitalize on attacking pace and precision.
Five quick attempts by the Spanish team, coupled with sustained pressure, kept Alba Berlin on the back foot as Hezonja and Cornelie contributed to Madrid’s offensive efficiency. The period closed with Madrid holding a lead as the scoreline tipped 12-25, leaving Berlin with a sense of urgency heading into the second act.
As the game progressed, Cornelie and Musa helped Berlin find some rhythm, with Smith providing outside scoring and Hanga answering from deep. The action remained tightly contested as both teams traded baskets, and a 2+1 play by Musa added extra spice to the contest. Yet Madrid remained firm, displaying resilience and tactical discipline that kept them in a comfortable position at the break with a nine-point margin, 35-46.
Return from the locker room brought renewed energy. Madrid extended its lead to as many as fifteen points, pushing the tempo and maintaining a disciplined defensive stance. Alba Berlin found a response, trading baskets in a matter-of-fact sequence that reduced the deficit to single digits, thanks especially to Mattisseck’s timely three-pointer that sparked a 8-1 push and narrowed the gap to 51-57.
The hosts sensed an opening and continued to press from range, testing Madrid’s resolve. Chus Mateo’s side did its best to withstand the surge and focus on maintaining offensive balance as the final period approached. Still, the visitors carried the advantage and entered the final ten minutes with a seven-point cushion, a fragile but tangible lead that could shape the closing stages.
Start of the fourth quarter saw Alba Berlin quickly cut into the lead. A 5-0 spurt, highlighted by Thiemann’s baskets and Blatt’s sharp perimeter shooting, brought the score close and added pressure on Real Madrid to tighten up defensively and execute more efficiently on offense. Moses stepped in to quell the momentum, delivering a 0-5 response that helped restore balance and shift the tide back toward Madrid’s side.
The final stretch demanded focus and poise from Madrid. The defense stepped up, limiting easy looks and contesting shots with greater intensity. Walter Tavares asserted himself in both ends of the floor, using his presence near the rim to deter attempts and to grab important rebounds. Llull entered and contributed to the closing sequence, helping Real Madrid seal the contest with a steady showing that preserved their lead and solidified their standing in the standings.
Data sheet: 77 – Alba Berlin (12+23+24+18): Lo (10), Smith (22), Delow (5), Spin (7), Lammers (-) -starting five-; Wetzell (-), Blatt (12), Zoosman (7), Koumajde (9), Mattisseck (3), Thiemann (2), Schneider (-).
84 – Real Madrid (25+21+20+18): William-Goss (7), Causeur (11), Abalde (2), Yabusele (7), Tavares (6) – top five-, Hanga (6), Hezonja (11), Sergio Rodríguez (6), Poirier (- ), Cornelie (8), Llull (5), Muse (15).
referees: Mehdi Difallah (FRA), Jakub Zamojski (POL) and Amit Balak (ISR). Not deleted.
events: The match of the nineteenth day of the Euroleague was played at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin.