Real Madrid secured its first EuroLeague win of the season by defeating Partizan 86-76 at the Palacio, halting a three-game European losing streak. Following early-season defeats against Dubai, Efes, and Hapoel Tel Aviv, the Spanish side controlled the match from the opening quarter to relieve mounting pressure under head coach Pedro Martínez. Even during the worst moments, the Palacio has always served as the best of refuges and a nearly safe bet for victory, a pattern that also occurred last season under Sergio Scariolo.
Early Dominance Establishes Madrid Advantage
Partizan of Belgrade struggled to match the hosts after an early offensive surge by Real Madrid. A buzzer-beater three-point shot by Andrés Feliz at the end of the first quarter sparked a decisive 12-0 scoring run for the home team. By the time Jantunen converted his first points, becoming the final active Madrid player to score in the game while Gabriele Procida remained unused and team captain Llull, Schulga, Sarr, and the injured Deck sat out, the lead had stretched to 45-26.
Nick Smith Jr., a 22-year-old newcomer from the Lakers, injected high energy into the backcourt during the opening stanzas. Partizan head coach Joan Peñarroya watched his squad fall behind despite the formidable individual talent of Carlik Jones, who shouldered the scoring load for the visitors.
Third-Quarter Push Tests Host Resilience
Partizan mounted a challenge after halftime, opening the third quarter with an 11-2 run that cut the deficit to 60-54. Buoyed by vocal supporters in the stands, the Serbian club tightened its defensive pressure and disrupted Madrid’s rhythm from beyond the arc.
Facundo Campazzo steadied the offense, logging 32 minutes on the floor and pushing his total for the whites to 79 points. Campazzo broke the visiting defensive stand with a high-arcing three-pointer that struck the top of the backboard before dropping through, signaling the beginning of the end for Partizan’s comeback attempt.
Maledon added crucial baskets down the stretch, proving adept at executing the tactical demands introduced by Martínez. Despite struggling with free-throw execution by missing 10 free throws and shooting just 3-of-20 from three-point range, Partizan failed to draw close enough to threaten the lead in the closing minutes.
Next Opponent Awaits in Liga Endesa
Real Madrid turns its focus back to domestic competition, hosting Manresa on Sunday at home in the Liga Endesa.
