CB Canarias Stuns Real Madrid with Historic 95-90 Win in Liga Endesa

MADRID — In a night that rewrote recent history, CB Canarias ended a 13-year drought at the WiZink Center, defeating Real Madrid 95-90 in a Liga Endesa clash that sent shockwaves through Spanish basketball. The victory, secured on April 5, 2024, marked the Tenerife-based club’s first win in Madrid since March 2013 and halted Real Madrid’s dominant 29-2 home run in all competitions this season.

The triumph was more than just a statistical anomaly; it was a statement. Sergio Scariolo’s side, long considered a tough but inconsistent opponent in the ACB, executed a near-flawless game plan to dismantle the EuroLeague giants on their own floor. For a franchise that has endured heartbreaking losses in recent meetings — including two narrow defeats earlier this season — this win felt like catharsis.

“We believed,” said Canarias point guard Francisco Cruz after the game. “We’ve been close so many times. Tonight, we made the plays when it mattered.”

Real Madrid, coached by Chus Mateo, entered the game riding a wave of momentum, having won 11 of their last 12 across all competitions. Yet, they were unable to adjust to Canarias’ disciplined defensive rotations and timely three-point shooting, which proved decisive in the final minutes.

How Canarias Engineered the Upset

The game unfolded as a tactical chess match. Canarias opened with a 10-2 run, exploiting Madrid’s gradual start with aggressive closeouts and transition opportunities. Santiago Yusta and Kyle Guy combined for 18 first-half points, stretching the lead to 12 by halftime (48-36).

Madrid responded in the third quarter, fueled by Facundo Campazzo’s playmaking and Gabriel Deck’s interior presence. A 15-0 surge put them ahead 69-65, silencing the visiting contingent. But Canarias weathered the storm.

With 4:12 remaining and the score tied at 82-82, Guy hit a step-back three to put Canarias ahead for good. He finished with 22 points, including four triples, while Yusta added 19 and grabbed eight rebounds. Tavares, Madrid’s anchor, finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds but was limited to just 28 minutes due to foul trouble — a critical factor in the outcome.

“We made them operate for every shot,” said Scariolo in his postgame press conference. “When you force a team like Madrid into tough looks and limit second chances, you give yourself a chance. Our guys took it.”

The win improved Canarias’ Liga Endesa record to 18-9, solidifying their position in the playoff hunt. Madrid, meanwhile, dropped to 22-5, though they remain securely atop the standings.

Breaking the Curse

Prior to this victory, Canarias had lost 12 consecutive games at the WiZink Center since their last win in 2013 — a span that included playoff eliminations and regular-season disappointments. The psychological weight of that streak was palpable in pregame remarks from both camps.

“It’s not just about the record,” said Madrid guard Alberto Abalde. “It’s about respect. They came here ready to fight, and we didn’t match that intensity early enough.”

The last time Canarias won in Madrid, Sergio Llull was still a rising star, Rudy Fernández was in his prime, and the arena was known as the Palacio de Deportes. Eleven seasons later, the landscape has shifted — but the result remains rare.

According to official ACB records, only four visiting teams have won at the WiZink Center more than once since 2013: Barcelona, Baskonia, Valencia, and now Canarias.

What This Means Moving Forward

For Canarias, the victory serves as a catalyst. With two games remaining in the regular season — against Granada and Bilbao — they control their own destiny for a top-six finish, which would grant home-court advantage in the playoffs quarterfinals.

Madrid, while still favored to win the league title, must now address vulnerabilities exposed in this loss: perimeter defense under pressure and overreliance on Tavares in high-leverage moments. Their next game is a EuroLeague clash against Olympiacos on April 11, followed by a Liga Endesa trip to Valencia.

Injury updates remained minimal postgame. Canarias reported no new injuries, while Madrid confirmed Tavares’ foul trouble was precautionary and he is expected to return for the next fixture.

Key Performers

• Kyle Guy (CB Canarias): 22 points, 4/7 from three, 3 assists — clutch shooting in the fourth quarter.
• Santiago Yusta (CB Canarias): 19 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals — versatile two-way impact.
• Walter Tavares (Real Madrid): 18 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks — dominant inside but limited by fouls.
• Facundo Campazzo (Real Madrid): 14 points, 9 assists, 4 turnovers — struggled with ball security in critical stretches.

The game drew an official attendance of 12,450 at the WiZink Center, according to Liga Endesa’s match report — slightly below capacity but energized by the home crowd early before silence took over in the final minutes.

As the Liga Endesa enters its decisive stretch, this result adds intrigue to the playoff picture. Canarias has proven it can beat the best on the road; now, they must prove they can do it consistently.

What’s next for CB Canarias? A home game against Granada B.C. On April 12, 2024 — a chance to build momentum before the postseason.

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