Mohamed Dabone scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds to drive FC Barcelona to an 84-80 comeback victory over Real Madrid in the opening Liga U Clásico of the season, SPORT reported. The win marks Barcelona’s first victory against their arch-rivals since losing the Liga U final in May.
Fourth-Quarter Surge Seals the Victory
Barcelona faced a five-point deficit entering the final ten minutes. Dabone took over down the stretch, scoring nine of his 25 points in the fourth quarter to anchor a 22-11 closing frame that erased Real Madrid’s lead.
The 15-year-old center finished the game with two three-pointers on seven attempts. One of those long-range makes put Barcelona ahead for the first time since before halftime, shifting the momentum permanently.
Omer Kutluay Paces Real Madrid’s Early Attack
Real Madrid relied heavily on Omer Kutluay, who finished with a game-high 35 points. Kutluay carried the Madrid offense in the first half, racking up 27 of his team’s 49 points before the break.
Barcelona’s defensive adjustments in the second half successfully limited Kutluay’s scoring rhythm. That defensive clampdown allowed the visitors to chip away at the margin before Dabone’s late-game heroics sealed the comeback.
Dabone Dominates Paint to Pressure Real Madrid Defense
Dabone’s physical presence inside altered Real Madrid’s defensive rotations. His dominance in the paint forced Real Madrid’s interior defenders into quick foul trouble, which compromised their rim protection for the remainder of the contest.
At the defensive end, Dabone turned defense into offense with a spectacular blocked shot that triggered a fast break, ending in a transition slam by teammate Diego Ferreras. Despite facing opponents considerably older than him, the newly turned 15-year-old continues to dominate the competition.
Administrative Hurdles Loom Over First-Team Debut
While Dabone continues to star in youth competitions, his promotion to the senior squad remains stalled by ongoing administrative disputes with the Social Security administration. Barcelona attempted to register the underage center under an artist exception rule after receiving approval from the Spanish Federation, the CSD, and the Generalitat.
The social security agency rejected that pathway, classifying him as a athlete rather than an artist. Consequently, the club remains blocked from registering him for Liga Endesa or EuroLeague play, contrasting sharply with his dominant output on the court.
Liga U Clásico Match Details
- Final Score: Real Madrid 80, FC Barcelona 84
- Fourth-Quarter Scoring: Barcelona 22, Real Madrid 11
- Mohamed Dabone Stat Line: 25 points, 9 rebounds, 2 three-pointers
- Omer Kutluay Stat Line: 35 points (27 in the first half)
