Real Madrid endured a magical clash at Bilbao Arena, a night charged with energy as Surne Bilbao Basket surged to an 85-80 home victory before 10,000 fans at Miribilla. The result left Madrid searching for breathing room in a season that continues to surprise and challenge the expectations of both sides.
Madrid faced a relentless duel with Chus Mateo’s squad fighting to keep pace with a Bilbao side that refused to surrender any lead. The visitors leveraged their rebounding prowess, especially on the offensive glass, to create second-chance opportunities that kept the scoreline tight and the crowd engaged. On the other bench, Jaume Ponsarnau’s crew trusted Hakanson to carry the scoring load, and the Swedish guard delivered a haul of 29 points and a 33 performance index rating, aligning with teammates Adam Smith (19) who maintained pressure through the first three quarters and into the final period.
In a game marked by timely stops and decisive moments, the visitors from Madrid answered with veteran experience. Argentine forward Gabriel Deck chipped in 11 points, while Sergio Llull added 13 points with several crucial baskets, complemented by an overall team display that remained competitive throughout. Edy Tavares anchored the frontcourt with 15 points, 12 rebounds, seven offensive boards, and a presence at the rim that Madrid hoped would be the differentiator in a contest decided in the closing minutes. His blocks and consistent interior defense helped stave off Bilbao’s late surge, and the game also featured noteworthy contributions from other Madrid players who kept the scoreboard moving in a tight rhythm [Source: Endesa League].
Madrid relied on their interior depth to counter Bilbao’s growing momentum, with Jeff Withey and Michale Kyser stepping in to contest shot attempts and protect the paint as Cape Verdean locals and wings battled for every possession. Withey’s seven blocks across the night underscored the defensive intensity Madrid tried to impose, even as Bilbao’s perimeter attack and inside finishes kept the pressure mounted throughout the contest [Source: Endesa League].
With this win, Madrid strengthens a leadership position that had become a focal point as the season advances. A loss for Bilbao could have unsettled Madrid’s standing in the playoff race and the Copa del Rey positioning, making the thirteenth day at Miribilla a critical moment in the campaign. Madrid’s early offense saw Causeur strike first, yet Hakanson and Tavares countered with a scintillating early duel, setting the tone for a highly contested affair. Bilbao responded to Madrid’s opening push by staying within striking distance as the first period unfolded, with Yabusele and Rudy providing effective counterpunches that kept the score close heading into later stages [Source: Endesa League].
The second quarter saw Madrid widening the gap through accurate long-range shooting from Hezonja, Rudy, and Llull, while Hakanson continued to set the rhythm for Bilbao. Yet Bilbao’s resilience remained evident as Hakanson found Kyser and others for quick finishes, reversing a late first-half deficit to push the game into a tight halftime balance. The scoreboard reflected a back-and-forth battle, with Madrid holding a slight edge as the teams prepared for the second half [Source: Endesa League].
After the break, Bilbao refused to fold. Musa’s push to reverse the momentum gave Madrid a temporary cushion, but the hosts rallied, drawing even and then seizing the lead thanks to Smith’s leadership and Hakanson’s continued scoring touch. The arena’s atmosphere swelled as the game reached its midpoint, translating into a dramatic stretch where the lead traded hands in fast, high-intensity exchanges. Bilbao’s fans roared as the team built a one-possession advantage, before Madrid countered again in a display of character typical of a late-season, high-stakes clash [Source: Endesa League].
In the final quarter, Llull delivered a remarkable moment with a shot that soared and barely touched the rim before falling through, captivating the 10,000-strong crowd. The sequence underscored Madrid’s ability to summon big plays when required, even as Bilbao answered with a run that aimed to cement a decisive advantage. Deck’s five-point burst midway through the final period helped Madrid keep the game within reach, with a 1.48 window remaining that allowed Miribilla to sense a possible upset. Smith again kept Madrid within striking distance, but Llull’s trio of late free throws sealed the outcome as Bilbao clung to an 85-80 win [Source: Endesa League].
Data sheet:
80 – Surne Bilbao Basket (16+26+16+22): Hakanson 29, Adam Smith 19, Rabbasa 4, Sulejmanovic 4, Withey 3 – top five; Radicevic, Francis Alonso 5, Reyes 4, Andersson 10, Kyser 10, Ubal 2.
85 – Real Madrid (21+21+17+26): William-Goss 4, Causeur 2, Moses 14, Cornelie 3, Tavares 15 – top five; Sergio Rodríguez, Llull 13, Rudy 6, Hezonja 2, Deck 11, Yabusele 11, Poirier 4.
Partial: 16-21, 42-42, 58-59, 80-85 end.
Referees: Emilio Pérez Pizarro, Arnau Padrós and Andrés Fernández. The match was played on the thirteenth day of the Endesa League at the Bilbao Arena, in front of a packed house of 10,000 spectators with an electric atmosphere that amplified every swing in the contest [Source: Endesa League].