Ricky Rubio Leads Joventut's Upset Victory Over Real Madrid 81-89, Leaves Whites With Doubts Before EuroLeague Final Four

MADRID. Asisa Joventut stormed the Movistar Arena and defeated Real Madrid 81-89 on Matchday 32 of the Liga Endesa, in a game marked by Ricky Rubio's outstanding performance and poor form for the whites ahead of the EuroLeague Final Four. The green-and-blacks grew after halftime, dominated the decisive stretch, and punished a Real Madrid side that has suffered two consecutive defeats before the continental showdown.

The game began with little rhythm and poor shooting. Ricky Rubio was the first to score for Joventut, while Chuma Okeke responded from beyond the arc to open the scoring for the whites. Real Madrid tried to take control from the start, but never managed to break away. Scariolo's team held small leads, but Joventut stayed close throughout and closed the first quarter with life (20-15).

In the second period, a three-pointer by Gabriele Procida allowed Real Madrid to reach a ten-point lead for the first time. It seemed like a moment for the whites to extend the lead decisively, but Joventut reacted immediately with six straight points that forced the Madrid bench to call timeout. The Penya found better offensive minutes, while Real Madrid stayed afloat with contributions from Kramer and Mario Hezonja's first three-pointer to reach halftime ahead, though without real margin for comfort (40-38).

After the break, the game changed tone. Joventut stepped up, played with more decisiveness, and began finding advantages with greater consistency. Ruzic took on a bigger role, Ricky Rubio punished from three-point range, and the green-and-blacks flipped the scoreboard to take the lead (51-54). Real Madrid responded with a 10-2 run that temporarily returned control to the home team, but Dani Miret's timeout had the desired effect and prevented the game from getting away.

The final quarter confirmed Joventut's best version. Cameron Hunt made a 3+1 against Izan Almansa to make it 69-73 with six minutes remaining and strengthen the visitors' confidence. From there, Ricky Rubio took command with a performance of enormous personality. The point guard set the pace, punished every defensive breakdown, and led a Penya that played its best minutes when the game demanded it most.

Real Madrid tried to lean on the individual talent of Hezonja, Maledon, Procida, and Okeke, all in double figures, but found no defensive continuity or enough clarity to stop Joventut's growth. The green-and-blacks managed the final possessions better and sealed a victory of great value in Madrid.

Ricky Rubio was the standout figure of the game with 21 points and a rating of 27. Hunt also stood out with 14 points, while Parker and Ruzic both contributed 12. For Real Madrid, Hezonja added 13 points, Procida 12, Maledon 11, and Okeke 10, insufficient to avoid another defeat before traveling to the EuroLeague Final Four.

Real Madrid will arrive at the major continental event with two consecutive setbacks and competitive doubts, while Asisa Joventut strengthens its candidacy in the final stretch of the Liga Endesa with a prestigious victory away from Badalona.