MADRID – Real Madrid basketball is commemorating the 41st anniversary of its 24th Spanish Liga ACB championship title. The milestone, reached on May 1, 2026, recalls a dominant performance by the team led by coach Lolo Sainz, who secured the victory against Joventut Badalona with a 91-83 win in the decisive third game of the final series.
The triumph marked Real Madrid’s second consecutive Liga ACB title since the introduction of the current playoff format in the 1983-84 season. The team’s path to the championship was marked by a strong regular season record of 27 wins in 28 games. They navigated the quarterfinals with a win over Estudiantes and then overcame Licor 43 in the semi-finals to reach the championship series.
The final game against Joventut was a showcase of offensive prowess. American forward Brian Jackson led all scorers with 30 points, while Fernando Martín contributed 23 and Iturriaga added 22. This potent offensive display proved too much for Joventut, solidifying Real Madrid’s position as the league’s top team.
The 1985-86 Real Madrid squad featured a roster of legendary players, including Fernando Martín, Iturriaga, Corbalán, Romay, Rullán, and American imports Brian Jackson and Wayne Robinson. The team’s success was built on a combination of Spanish talent and impactful foreign players, creating a formidable force in Spanish basketball.
This victory holds a special place in the club’s history, representing a period of sustained success and establishing a legacy of excellence. The club’s official website highlighted the anniversary, reminding fans of the team’s dominance during that era.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid continues to compete at the highest level of Spanish and European basketball. The current 2025-26 season, the club’s 95th in existence, sees them competing in both the Liga ACB and the EuroLeague. As of April 29, 2026, the team is actively engaged in the EuroLeague playoffs against Hapoel Tel Aviv, having already secured a victory in the first game of the series. The second game of the playoff series is scheduled for Sunday, May 3rd at the Movistar Arena.
The Movistar Arena has been a key venue for Real Madrid this season, hosting an average of 7,935 fans for Liga ACB games and 8,207 for EuroLeague matches. The highest attendance figures were recorded during El Clásico matchups against Barcelona, drawing 11,736 for a Liga ACB game on January 4, 2026, and 12,156 for a EuroLeague contest on January 16, 2026. The lowest attendance of the season was 5,539 for a Liga ACB game against Manresa on October 26, 2025.
Real Madrid’s roster currently includes key players such as Trey Lyles, David Krämer, Alberto Abalde, Facundo Campazzo, Chuma Okeke, and Gabriele Procida. The team, coached by Sergio Scariolo, is aiming to build on its recent successes and continue its pursuit of both domestic and European titles.
The club recently announced a medical report on Walter Tavares, and is preparing for upcoming matches against Hapoel Tel Aviv and other league opponents. The team is also commemorating the passing of Moncho Monsalve, a figure deeply connected to the club’s history.
Real Madrid’s commitment to basketball excellence remains unwavering, as they strive to add to their impressive collection of championships and continue to delight fans both in Spain and around the world. The next confirmed checkpoint for fans is the second game of the EuroLeague playoff series against Hapoel Tel Aviv on May 3rd at the Movistar Arena.
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