Real Madrid faced Partizan Belgrade in a Euroleague clash that ended 104-90 in favor of the Serbian side after a stubborn duel. The visitors fought hard, seizing key moments when opportunities appeared and keeping the pressure on their rivals when the moment demanded it.
The atmosphere and the specific strengths of the opponent shaped the game from the opening whistle. Madrid entered the floor prepared to engage a compact defense that made every possession physical and grinding, complicating quick starts and easy baskets for the guests.
Initially, the two wayward threes from Hanga and Tavares did little to calm the nerves, yet they helped Madrid settle into the fight. Chus Mateo’s squad even managed to grab a five-point edge after Musa converted a free throw, a fleeting cushion that vanished by the end of the first quarter as the hosts regained momentum and closed the period with the score roughly balanced.
Problems intensified for Real Madrid when Partizan assumed the lead on their own terms. The home team gained confidence, drawing loud cheers from their supporters as they executed attacks with precision and controlled the rebounding battles. Madrid, though resolute, found it increasingly difficult to respond to the rising pace and steady scoring rhythm of the Belgrade side.
As the second period wore on, Partizan tightened its grip. An 8-0 surge sparked by Nunnally’s consistent play and a ferocious dunk from Lessort extended the advantage, pushing Belgrade ahead to 49-38 at halftime and shaping the tone for the remainder of the night.
The teams re-emerged for the second half with Madrid attempting a renewed push. Deck stepped forward to rally his teammates, while Hezonja and Musa contributed a triple and a 2+1, narrowing the gap to five points. Exum soon added his own scoring touch, momentarily restoring some cushion for the visitors.
Yet the momentum did not tilt decisively Madrid’s way. Hezonja delivered another long jumper and Papapetrou added a finishing move, followed by Musa’s free throws, which kept the score within touching distance as the third quarter drew to a close and the game remained in the balance.
What followed was a streak that deflated Madrid. A 6-0 run at the start of the final quarter, sparked by Andjusic’s free throws and a Leday three, set the tone for Partizan’s continued dominance. Obradovic watched his team extend the lead, and Madrid found themselves overwhelmed by mistakes and decision-making errors at crucial moments.
The early minutes of the final period saw the Serbian team double the lead, and the home crowd fed off the energy as Partizan surged ahead in a display that left Madrid chasing from behind. The result marked the third consecutive win for Partizan against Real Madrid in their last 18 Euroleague meetings, underscoring the visitors’ resilience against a formidable Balkan opponent.
Data sheet:
104 – Partizan Belgrade (21+28+29+26): Avramovic (5), Smailagic (11), Papapetrou (10), Trifunovic (4), Leday (6) -top five-, Lessort (16), Punter (16), Exum (15), Madar (2), Nunnaly (14), Andjusic (5).
90 – Real Madrid (23+15+34+18): Abalde (2), Hanga (10), Hezonja (17), Moses (22), Tavares (7) -first quintet-, Deck (17), Causeur (-), Poirier (9), Cornelie (-), Rudy Fernandez (3), Ndiaye (-), Sergio Rodriguez (3).
referees: Carmelo Paternico (ITA), Piotr Pastusiak (POL) and Saulius Racys (LIT). They fouled Tavares and Punter.
events: The 32nd day match of Euroleague was played at Stark Arena.