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mar 28 2026Real Madrid completed an intense week of four games in seven days, starting Sunday at the Palau and finishing Saturday in Girona. Four victories of different kinds confirm the white team's good form. Curiously, against the weakest of their recent opponents, Madrid struggled the most. Free throws made the difference while their rival kept hitting three-pointers.
The 36-37 halftime score came unexpectedly as there had been a 21-31 at the 15-minute mark and Madrid seemed comfortable. A 6-0 run tightened the score and then a three-pointer by Livingston made it 32-35 at the 18-minute mark. Finally, that +1 at the midpoint of the game, with both teams shooting poorly from three, especially the home team with 4 of 19 compared to 4 of 14 for Scariolo's squad. But Moncho Fernández's team would later go 13 of 22 in the second half.
The second half started with another three-pointer from Livingston to put Girona ahead. After the 48-48 tie at the 24-minute mark came a 0-7 run that gave Madrid breathing room, a lead they held until the final period (60-66). After five three-pointers made in the third quarter, Moncho Fernández's team continued hot in the fourth and four more helped them stay afloat. But the truth is that Real Madrid was more solid and didn't give anything away (74-83, min. 35)
After 76-85 came Girona's final push and 82-85 with 2:39 remaining gave them hope, taking advantage of a Tavares turnover and a poor shot by Hezonja, which increased when Lyles also missed the next possession. But Sergi Martínez's attempt to tie didn't go in either and Feliz gave the +5 with two free throws. Needham responded with a three-pointer and the final minute and a half was total drama.
Two-pointer by Tavares, misses by Needham and Hezonja and Busquets made it 87-89 with 19 seconds remaining. Hezonja made two free throws but a quick three-pointer by Livingston made it 90-91, still with 15 seconds on the clock. Foul this time on Feliz, who made only the first and Livingston got the rebound, though the ball slipped away. Busquets fouled Hezonja and the Croatian made two free throws. But another quick three-pointer, this time by Busquets, made it 93-94 with five seconds left. Free throws this time for Abalde, he missed the first, made the second and the victory went to Madrid.
B. Girona (13+23+24+33): Needham (17), Livingston (24), Sergi Martínez (1), Susinkas (), Geben (12) -starting five-, Busquets (11), Hughes (4), Vildoza (10), Maric (9)
R. Madrid (22+15+29+29): Maledon (12), Kramer (-), Okeke (6), Hezonja (19), Tavares (6) -starting five-, Feliz (17), Garuba (4), Procida (9), Abalde (6), Lyles (16) and Len (-).
