Real Madrid Secures First EuroLeague Victory of the Season Against Olympiacos
Real Madrid, under the guidance of coach Sergio Scariolo, achieved their first EuroLeague victory of the 2025/26 season by defeating Olympiacos 89-77. The match, played at the Movistar Arena, saw Real Madrid overcome an early deficit to secure a crucial win. Gabriel Deck played a key role in the victory, providing crucial contributions in the paint.
Early Struggles and Initial Comeback
The game started with Tyler Dorsey of Olympiacos dominating the first quarter, scoring 16 points and putting pressure on Real Madrid. The Movistar Arena was eager to welcome Scariolo and his team after two consecutive losses, one in the Supercopa against Valencia and another in the EuroLeague against Bologna. However, Real Madrid, spurred on by Gabriel Deck's physical play, managed to match Olympiacos' intensity and reduce their lead to six points by halftime.
Second Half Surge and Decisive Defense
Coming out of the locker room, Real Madrid displayed renewed energy. Key contributions from Mario Hezonja and a timely three-pointer from Alberto Abalde gave the home team their first lead of the game. Although Olympiacos, led by Georgios Bartzokas, briefly regained the lead thanks to their rebounding dominance, Real Madrid's defense, spearheaded by David Kramer's tight marking of Evan Fournier, turned the tide.
Looking Ahead
With a strong defensive effort and contributions from various players, Real Madrid secured a comfortable 89-77 victory. Scariolo's team will return to the Movistar Arena on Sunday to face Gran Canaria in their league debut, followed by a EuroLeague home game against ASVEL. Despite the victory, Scariolo acknowledges that it's still early in the season and the team is continuing to build their identity.
Scariolo's Real Madrid: Building for the Future
It is too early to demand immediate results from Sergio Scariolo's Real Madrid. While the club is known for its high expectations and intense scrutiny, it is not yet time to be critical. The team's recent struggles, including a narrow win against Laguna Tenerife and losses in the Supercopa and EuroLeague, highlight the challenges of rebuilding. Real Madrid is a "monster in diapers," possessing immense potential but needing time to develop.
Finding Team Identity and Overcoming Challenges
Players are still assimilating information and finding their roles within the team. While individual talent abounds, a lack of team identity has led to individual solutions, which is not a sustainable formula. The team is still in its foundational stages. As Scariolo noted, the focus is not on September. The team needs to learn to win even when not playing at their best, grinding out victories while they develop. The absence of Maledon has also presented a challenge, but shouldn't be an excuse given the overall talent in the roster.
Patience and Building for the Long Term
Two losses in three games might be acceptable in September, but the demanding nature of the EuroLeague requires a consistent effort to secure a top-4 spot and home-court advantage in the playoffs. The organization is showing patience and understanding that this is just the beginning, providing a solid foundation for future success.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | EuroLeague 2025/26 |
| Opponent | Olympiacos |
| Result | Real Madrid 89 - 77 Olympiacos |
| Key Player | Gabriel Deck |
| Coach | Sergio Scariolo |
| Arena | Movistar Arena |
