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abr 09 2026ISTANBUL — Real Madrid defeated Fenerbahce 69-74 in EuroLeague action, a significant victory in the battle for top-four positioning. Led by Facundo Campazzo, the Madrid side moves ahead of the Turkish team in the standings with a 23-14 record, while the defending champion suffers its fifth consecutive loss and sees its home-court advantage threatened heading into EuroLeague playoffs.
The game began at a measured pace with both teams displaying active defense. In that context, Fenerbahce found early advantages through Brandon Boston, who took offensive responsibility from beyond the arc and finished with 21 points, the home team's leading scorer.
Real Madrid, however, found solutions through collective play. Facundo Campazzo's floor leadership, highly influential throughout the contest, allowed the Madrid side to gain offensive fluidity and level the scoreboard as the first half progressed. That improvement was reflected before halftime, when Chus Mateo's team managed to take the lead.
After the break, the game tilted back toward the home side. Nicolo Melli, who contributed 15 points, led Fenerbahce's comeback, with additional offensive production from Talen Horton-Tucker (11 points) and Wade Baldwin (10). With that combination of perimeter shooting and interior presence, the Turkish team entered the fourth quarter with a 58-54 advantage.
Real Madrid's response came at the decisive moment. The Madrid side elevated its defensive intensity and began controlling the game's tempo in the final minutes. Walter Tavares and Nigel Williams-Goss, both with 12 points, provided offensive stability as the team regained control of the scoreboard.
The decisive blow came down the stretch. Mario Hezonja, who finished with 9 points, hit a crucial three-pointer in the final minute that allowed Real Madrid to open enough daylight to secure the 69-74 victory.
The win allows Real Madrid to solidify its position in the upper echelon of the EuroLeague standings, moving ahead of Fenerbahce despite sharing the same record. The Turkish team, meanwhile, is navigating one of its most difficult stretches of the season and risks losing ground in the race for home-court advantage in the EuroLeague playoffs.
