I wanted it the real Madrid say goodbye to 2025 in the Movistar Arena until the end. As if it were a Christmas present, those of Scariolo They made it clear that victory could not be escaped in this last home match, the penultimate of the year (91-82). (This is how we experienced Real Madrid’s victory against Unicaja in the Endesa League)
It was clear that the rival was not going to make it easy at all. A Unique that, even if it costs him more than in other years, it is still dangerous, and that it sometimes creates nervousness on the white side.
The 46-54 score at the end of the first half set off alarm bells, but Real Madrid’s reaction in the second half was extraordinary. Mario Hezonjawith 19 points, took charge of taking the lead of the white team, which will arrive alone in the lead on the last day of the year.
Théo Maledon, during the match between Real Madrid and Unicaja.
EFE
An express return
Unicaja arrived in the capital, ready to become Real Madrid’s nightmare again. He almost succeeded. He landed with this audacity that characterizes him, with this ability to look directly at the giants without blinking, without leaving the ring.
Because Unicaja is one of those rivals who make Madrid uncomfortable, who force it to tense up, who steal those minutes of relaxation which are expensive in Europe.
Sergio Scariolo knew it. This is why his men started with a serious gesture, with Mario Hezonja And Sergio Llull draw shooting lines between the first bars. They scored with ease, but Unicaja held the match fiercely.
And then it happened Killian Tilliethis giant who grew between the quarters and shattered the Madrid illusion with eight points which were the battle cry of the visitors.
Those in green launched an assault. Sulejmanovic It was his strong arm, with this 0-7 which shook the foundations. Real Madrid doubted, but did not fall. Thus, the break was reached with a score of 46-54 which left the locals no other choice than to attempt a relentless comeback in the second act.
The second half was the X-ray of a team that knows its injuries. Because Real Madrid knew where it hurt: in defense. Fifty-four points in the first half was a cry for help that could not be ignored. And then he got to work.
Usman Garuba crushes the rim.
EFE
It only took one breath to turn the 48-62 into a 71-66 that tasted like a victory before it was one. Abalde and Garubathese inglorious soldiers who appear when it rains, were the screws which adjusted the white defense.
But Unique He wasn’t a victim, he was a rival. He addressed three points with the boldness of someone who has nothing to lose. Tilly threatened again, anxiety returned to the hunt. However, the Malagasians paid tribute to him: the three-point shots did not go in after the break and the fouls accumulated. And when fortunes changed, Madrid’s defense was already a bunker.
Maledon He painted his lines on offense. Garuba He continues his cement work in painting. Three decisive minutes where only Happy and Abalde They scored five points. Five points to close a door that would never open again. Real Madrid excluded Movistar Arena to another rival who dared to dream. The year ends as it began: with the White Fortress intact.
Real Madrid 91 – 82 Single
Real Madrid (27+19+25+20): Campazzo (11), Llull (6), Procida (4), Hezonja (19), Tavares (7), -starting five-, Maledon (15), Abalde (5), Deck (4), Garuba (13), Len (-), Feliz (7).
Single Malaga (30+24+12+16): Perry (11), Duarte (16), Barreiro (2), Webb III (-), Balcerowski (17) -starting quintet- Díaz (4), Tillie (12), Sulejmanovic (7), Kalinoski (-), Audige (6), Rubit (3), Tyson Pérez (4).
Referees: Jordi Aliaga, Francisco Araña and Esperanza Mendoza. They eliminated Tavares for five fouls (m.38).
Incidents: the 12th day of the Endesa Basketball League took place at the Movistar Arena in front of 9,783 spectators
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