Real Madrid reaffirms its European leadership in Berlin
Chus Mateo’s team prevails with suffering over a combative Alba
MADRID, 12 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Real Madrid defeated Alba Berlin (77-84) this Thursday on matchday 19 of the 2022-2023 Euroleague Regular Phase, held at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, after an initial display that was completed in the last quarter to close the double day this week at the top of the standings.
The Madrid team emerged unscathed, with more complications than expected, from their time in the German capital where, thanks to a very effective first half, they painfully clinched their thirteenth victory to continue one more day at the head of a top continental competition that it remains very even.
Chus Mateo’s men won again away from the WiZink Center, after their victory (59-79) in Belgrade against Red Star last Tuesday, and they maintain their unbeaten record against the Berlin team, who has not been able to beat the whites in his 13 disputed duels. Also leaders of the Endesa League, the madridistas stopped short the streak of six consecutive victories for the locals, who remain in the middle of the table.
Thus, after a low scoring start, with the defenses of both teams prevailing in the paint, the white team simmered a first quarter that they ended up dominating thanks to the good work of Fabian Caseur (8 points) and Mario Hezonja (6). Good opening minutes for the madridistas to close a first set with a clear advantage (12-25).
Those of Chus Mateo, much superior, continued with the same positive inertia to get back on track for a second ten minutes from defensive solidity and especially from the line of three. Even so, the Berliners resisted falling so quickly into the networks of Real Madrid, thanks to the figure of Jaleen Smith (16), who allowed his team not to drop before the break (35-46).
Israel González’s men tried to continue lurking on the scoreboard after the restart, to reduce the distance to a minimum (51-57). However, a 2+1 from Yabusele in the middle of the third quarter gave the whites air when they were having the worst time. Delicate moment for Real Madrid who managed to come out on top thanks to a triple in the last moments by Cornelie from the corner.
With everything to be decided (59-66), the locals went all out in a last quarter that spared no effort. A three-pointer from Blatt as soon as he started reduced the distance to a minimum (64-66), but Musa’s response (15), also from the line of three, and a Tavares who intimidated as he wanted were the final blow. From then on, Chus Mateo’s men knew how to control the game to finish off the match with a long three-pointer from Sergio Llull.
DATASHEET.
–RESULT: ALBA BERLIN, 77 – REAL MADRID, 84. (35-46, at halftime).
–TEAMS.
DAWN BERLIN: Maodo Lo (10), Smith (22), Delow (5), Sikma (7) and Lammers (-) — the starting quintet– Koumadje (9), Wetzell (-), Thiemann (2), Blatt (12), Mattiseck (3), Schneider (-) and Zoosman (7).
REAL MADRID: Williams-Goss (7), Causeur (11), Abalde (2), Yabusele (7) and Tavares (6) –starting five– Llull (5), Musa (15), Poirier (-), Cornelie (8), Hezonja (11), Hanga (6) and Sergio Rodríguez (6).
— PARTIALS: 12-25, 23-21, 24-20, 18-18.
–REFEREES: Difallah, Zamojski and Balak. No deleted.
–PAVILLION: Mercedes-Benz Arena.