Real Madrid advances after a tight Euroleague win at Villeurbanne
Real Madrid kept its rhythm for another week, sitting atop Euroleague standings as it survived a fierce challenge from LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. The visitors relied on a balanced attack led by Gaby Deck, whose late-game impact helped seal a 71-75 victory in front of ASVEL’s home crowd and underscored Real Madrid’s growing consistency when the stakes are high.
In Villeurbanne, the Spanish side faced a tough opponent with a recent favorable record and a strong home court presence. The team had not lost to this particular rival since 2003, and their recent head-to-head showed an 8-1 advantage in the last nine meetings. Such history, combined with contrasting league positions, gave Real Madrid the confidence to play with poise on the road.
The opening moments were tense for both teams as execution faltered, producing just four points apiece in the first few minutes. A miscue from a visiting trio briefly opened a window for ASVEL to grab the initiative, but Madrid’s coach, Chus Mateo, guided a response that gradually shifted the tone and allowed Real Madrid to take control by the end of the first period, moving ahead 10-20 on the scoreboard.
ASVEL found the break useful. Mathews added five points and the team converted only one three-pointer in twelve attempts, trimming the deficit to six before halftime. Then Dazan Musa sparked a burst of energy for the home side with two long-range shots that spurred a 2-8 run to answer Madrid’s push.
Real Madrid’s defense tightened after the intermission and the visitors stretched the lead again as the second team period wore on. The hosts battled back, yet Real Madrid kept answering with steady possessions. A key moment arrived when Sergio Rodríguez connected from long range, reinforcing the late first-half push. By halftime, Real Madrid had built a double-digit cushion, and the rebound battle tipped decisively in their favor, helping the visitors extend their advantage to fifteen points as they headed to the locker room leading 32-47.
Upon return, the most productive players for ASVEL were Nando De Colo and Fabien Causeur, alternating on-ball actions and trading baskets in a lively three-point exchange. Madrid’s offense began showing signs of fatigue, allowing ASVEL to reduce the gap with a 6-0 burst late in the third quarter, narrowing the distance to reach within striking range of the visitors.
The momentum swayed back and forth as Obasohan took the game into his own hands, completing an 8-1 run to pull ASVEL within two. Deck once again stepped up for Real Madrid, answering with a 0-6 sequence that helped settle the contest and push the margin back in Madrid’s favor. The final stretch saw Madrid holding firm as ASVEL pressed, but Real Madrid managed to stay ahead and finished the game with a composed sequence to seal the win.
Yet the triumph carried a note of caution for coach Mateo. In the closing moments, Walter Tavares twisted his ankle and exited the floor, a setback on a month packed with league and Euroleague commitments that will demand resilience from the squad going forward.
Data sheet:
71 – LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (10+22+22+15): De Colo 13, Noua 0, Bost 7, Risacher 0, Fall 10, Tyus 8, Obasohan 9, Lighty 8, Mathews 13, Kahudi 3, Diot 0.
75 – Real Madrid (20+27+16+12): Williams-Goss 13, Causeur 14, Hezonja 2, Cornelie 5, Tavares 7, Abalde 3, Musa 11, Ndiaye 0, Hanga 0, Deck 12, Sergio Rodríguez 5, Poirier 3.
Referees: Borys Ryzhyk, Piotr Pastusiak and Mario Majkic. The match took place at Astroballe de Villeurbanne on the 26th day of the Euroleague.