He Real Madrid added his fourth victory away from home in the Euroleague 2025/26 by surpassing ASVEL Villeurbanne (69-80) in a very close game that was decided in the final moments. The whites, affected after the defeat in the Classic, suffered the devilish speed of the French guards Thomas the Watson Genland until a collective reaction in the last quarter allowed them to contain their pace and exploit individual talent to rescue a key victory for classification.
The start was hesitant for both, with turnovers and very erratic triple shots that prevented the game from flowing. Watson stood out in attack for ASVEL with lethal penetrations, while Edy Tavares accumulated quick fouls that forced Sergio Scariolo to resort to Alex Len in the painting, without Madrid managing to impose clarity.
The French took over the offensive rebounds and punished with second options, while Trey Lyles It was starting to create danger inside. Madrid, affected emotionally, showed difficulties in attacking fluidly and avoiding the physical French game; ASVEL opted for the speed of Heurtelthe best of the game up to that moment and decisive in each possession.
The other side of Madrid
The whites returned from the break with a different mentality, more supportive in passing, although Heurtel continued to shine with assists and points. Maledon closed the gapand in the final minutes Lyles, Garuba and Kramer They accelerated the white rhythm; Watson responded with key three-pointers and ASVEL maintained the lead.
But Madrid’s highest level came at the end, when they imposed speed and defense from the beginning of the last quarter, taking the lead with six minutes remaining for the first time since the 12th minute. Happy injected rhythm, Lyles grew bigger (21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, only two errors in the quarter) and Garuba surpassed one on one to stop Heurtel. Between Watson and the French point guard they made us forget the absence of Nando De Colobut it was not enough against a Madrid that improved at the back and sealed a valuable victory.
This victory relieves pressure on Scariolo, critical of the “weary” calendar of three games in six days, and restores confidence to the locker room after the Classic. With Maccabi (day 21) and MoraBank Andorra (ACB) ahead, strengthening the defense remains a priority to continue competing in the remainder of the season.
69. ASVEL Villeurbanne (18+23+20+8): Heurtel (12) Harrison (6), Ndiaye (6), Culture (-) -five initial. Watson (14), Eboua (2).
80. Real Madrid (17+19+20+24): Campazzo (15), Okeke (6), Abalde (-), Hezonja (6), and Tavares (12) -starting five-. Maledon (9), Feliz (4), Krämer (-), Procida (-), Lyles (21), Garuba (5) and Len (2).
Referees: Robert Lottermoser, Saulius Racys and Christian Theis.
Incidents: Match corresponding to the twentieth day of the Euroleague and the first of the year 2026 away from home for Real Madrid. It was played at the LDLC Arena in Lyon. Fourth away victory for the white team.
This is how we experienced ASVEL Villeurbanne – Real Madrid: matchday 20 of the regular phase of the Euroleague, live online
