Real Madrid Edges Basket Girona 89-70 as Mateo Regains Momentum
The three-line sequence surrounding a clash between Real Madrid and Basket Girona culminated in an 89-70 win for the Whites, a result that gave coach Chus Mateo a renewed sense of momentum after a rough stretch that followed a loss to Barcelona the night before.
Madrid embarked on a unusually light week with no European obligations, yet the domestic schedule demanded heightened intensity to sustain their grip in a tight league race. A direct showdown with Barcelona and a recent setback against Baskonia left the team hungry for a victory and wary of drifting away from the leaders. The plan called for consistency and focus, especially with back-to-back home fixtures against Joventut serving as a prep run and a looming euroleague proxy testing their mettle. The message was clear: stay sharp, stay together, and keep the pace high.
With the objective in hand, Real Madrid opened with purpose, signaling intent with two blocks in the opening ninety seconds and a display of length from Tavares that suggested the Catalan defense would have to contend with his reach. Girona answered the early challenge, refusing to surrender easy baskets and repeatedly clawing back into striking distance as Madrid pressed the tempo and piled up points.
The first quarter unfolded as a contest of pace and precision. Real Madrid started with a 0-6 burst, featuring four points from Marc Gasol, then settled into a rhythm as Llull and his teammates found their footing. The visiting trio of outside shooters—Rudy Fernández, Sergio Rodríguez, and Yabusele—provided timely triples, turning a tense start into a controlled surge. Girona, anchored by Colom and Fjellerup, stayed within striking distance, yet Madrid’s balance on offense gradually tilted the scales in their favor.
From that moment, Real Madrid established a dependable rhythm across the floor. Tres, complemented by Randolph and Yabusele, helped drive a productive stretch that pushed Madrid ahead and began erasing lingering doubts about the outcome. Girona never quit, and Gasol added a steady scoring presence that kept the visitors honest as they fought to close the gap. By the end of the first period, the scoreboard suggested a game that could still swing, but Madrid’s momentum was clearly building behind a disciplined game plan.
After the intermission, Gasol rejoined with renewed intensity, accumulating points and demonstrating veteran savvy. Girona did land a few long-range shots to stay in range, but Madrid countered with perimeter strikes and a growing lead that expanded to a comfortable margin. Yabusele and Causeur connected from outside, reconfirming the home team’s sense of command and setting up a decisive stretch. The hosts carried a twenty-point cushion into the final quarter, a visible sign that the plan was working and that patience would be rewarded with a stable advantage.
As the game drew toward its conclusion, both teams reduced intensity while tightening defensive screws and maintaining efficient offense. Even players who rarely shoot from beyond the arc, like Tavares, joined the parade, taking shots from long range in moments that drew cheers from the crowd and reflected the collective focus of the day. It stood as a rare celebration of a team day that felt calm and productive—a quiet affirmation that a long season can be anchored in moments of collective clarity rather than individual bursts.
Data sheet:
89 – Real Madrid (19+25+27+18): Williams-Goss (8), Causeur (10), Abalde (6), Cornelie (2), Tavares (7) -first quintet-, Llull (1), Yabusele (15), Musa (13), Randolph (12), Rudy Fernandez (9), Sergio Rodriguez (6).
70 – Basket Girona (11+21+19+19): Colom (8), Fjellerup (9), Taylor (6), Miletic (7), Marc Gasol (14) -top five- Hill (6), Prkacin (6), Sorolla (4), Jenkins (5), Garino (1), Vila (2), Figueras (2).
events: The match, on the 28th day of the Endesa League, took place before a lively crowd at the WiZink Center in Madrid.