Real Madrid Triumphs in Bologna as Hezonja Leads the Charge
Real Madrid carried the momentum from the opening whistle into a decisive Euroleague night in Bologna, defeating Virtus Segafredo Bologna 79-96. The visitors surged to an early lead and never looked back, stringing together a sequence that left the home crowd chasing a pace they couldn’t sustain. The start of the final quarter showcased a five-trio onslaught by Hezonja, which effectively quenched any late comeback hopes from Bologna and underscored Madrid’s intent to finish the regular season inside the coveted top four. The result also secured Madrid’s position as a reliable contender in this phase of the competition, while Bologna remained hopeful for a strong finish to the campaign. (source: Euroleague game report)
Madrid entered the arena with the calm that comes from securing a place in the quarterfinals, a milestone that allows a bit more freedom in execution. Yet for the Real side chasing a meaningful objective this season, the game served as a reminder that consistency across the full 40 minutes remains essential. Bologna, knowing they had already earned a postseason spot, still pressed hard in front of their home supporters, intent on making a statement in front of a crowd energized by a critical late-season matchup. (source: Euroleague game report)
The opening minutes set a clear tone. Bologna started with a 2-10 push, signaling a willingness to contest every ball and test Madrid’s lines. The home team moved the ball with purpose, exploiting gaps around the arc and trusting shoots that could shift momentum early. Madrid responded with discipline, weathering the early pressure and building a counterpunch that relied on ball movement, solid rebounding, and timely scoring. As the pace settled, Real Madrid began to pull away, leveraging a dominance on the boards that translated into a growing point margin. (source: Euroleague game report)
Two notable sequences defined the middle stages. The visitors extended the lead to 0-13 as they controlled both ends of the floor, with aggressive boards powering quick transitions. Tavares contributed defensively, cleaning the glass and enabling the attack with efficient finishes. Belinelli, a veteran presence who continues to defy expectations, delivered crisp perimeter shooting and finished calmly from the free-throw line, helping Madrid extend their advantage as the first half closed. His early scoring surge reshaped the tempo, with three-pointers and timely foul shots contributing 15 of his 17 points in the second quarter. (source: Euroleague game report)
Madrid’s response after the break was decisive. The team reorganized, built a sharper rhythm, and stretched the advantage with a 2-9 run that reasserted control. When Yabusele stepped to the line to close out a sequence, Madrid stood at a double-digit lead, and the half-time scoreboard reflected a 33-50 gap. Bologna returned from the locker room with renewed energy, erasing part of the deficit with a 10-2 burst that kept the game alive and reminded spectators that the outcome was not sealed. The Madrid defense answered the challenge with focus, and the visitors found their footing again, ready to dictate the tempo going into the final period. (source: Euroleague game report)
The fourth quarter produced one of the day’s focal stories: Hezonja orchestrating a cloud of three-pointers, punctuated by a string of successful triples that brought the crowd to its feet. Five consecutive three-point attempts helped push Real Madrid ahead and align the team with the game plan that had worked throughout the night. From that moment onward, the intensity level slightly eased, but Madrid maintained a clear advantage, exchanging baskets and keeping Bologna at arm’s length while the clock dwindled. The result was a comfortable finish that reflected Madrid’s maturity in navigating a tough Euroleague date on the road. (source: Euroleague game report)
Data sheet: 79 – Virtus Segafredo Bologna (12+21+25+21): Mannion (4), Lundberg (0), Shengelia (10), Weems (3), Jaiteh (4) -top five- Belinelli (26), Bako (9), Olejeyi (18), Hackett (5), Mickey (0), Head (0).
96 – Real Madrid (26+24+18+28): Hanga (2), Deck (11), Yabusele (24), Musa (8), Tavares (6) -top five- Sergio Rodríguez (4), Abalde (7), Hezonja (26), Poirier (2), Cornelie (0), Rudy Fernandez (6).
Referees: Tomislav Hordov (CRO), Uros Nikolic (SRB) and Seffi Shemmesh (ISR). The match took place on the 30th day of the Euroleague season at the Virtus Segafredo Arena in Bologna, with both teams delivering a competitive performance that kept spectators engaged until the final whistle. (source: Euroleague game report)