Real Madrid Baloncesto saw their winning run come to an end at the hands of FC Barcelona Bàsquet, falling in a tightly contested El Clásico that swung the visitors’ way in the closing minutes.
Sunday, January 4th marked the first El Clásico of the year, with another meeting already scheduled in just over two weeks. Real Madrid entered the matchup looking to claim a 10th straight victory over Barcelona and extend an 11-game winning streak, coming off a 107–93 comeback win against Dubai Basketball. Barcelona arrived seeking redemption after nine consecutive Clásico defeats, but in strong form following a win against Basket Zaragoza and riding a seven-game winning streak.
The first quarter set the tone for an evenly matched, offense-heavy battle. Both teams traded runs, with Barcelona edging ahead late. Mario Hezonja led Real Madrid with 7 points, while Kevin Punter caught fire early for Barcelona with 11 points. Two late baskets from Youssoupha Fall gave the visitors a 28–24 lead after ten minutes.
Barcelona maintained their momentum into the second quarter, continuing to shoot efficiently from beyond the arc. Despite solid contributions from Hezonja and Walter Tavares inside, Madrid trailed 48–44 at halftime in a game that remained finely balanced.
The third quarter saw Barcelona shift the tempo of the game, as Kevin Punter played a key role on both ends of the floor. The visitors controlled the rhythm and spacing, outscoring their opponents 22 – 20 in the quarter to protect their narrow advantage heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, the game was decided by late-game shot-making and execution, with Barcelona stepping up in the final two minutes. The final score finished Real Madrid — – Barcelona —, as the Catalans secured the win, handing Madrid their first home defeat of the league season and snapping their 11-game winning streak. Hezonja finished as the game’s top scorer with 27 points in defeat.
Both teams will meet again Friday, January 16th as Barcelona look to build on their momentum and Real Madrid look for redemption in the second Clásico of the season.
