Kaunas Žalgiris narrowly missed a dramatic comeback victory against Real Madrid, falling 100-99 in a EuroLeague contest defined by late-game swings and controversial calls. Despite a stellar performance from Sylvain Francisco, who poured in 33 points, Žalgiris couldn’t overcome a series of technical fouls and Real Madrid’s experience. The loss continues a challenging stretch for both teams, with Žalgiris now at 3-7 and Real madrid at 6-4 in the EuroLeague standings after recent setbacks.
A late-game surge wasn’t enough for Kaunas Žalgiris, who fell to Real Madrid 100-99 in a tightly contested EuroLeague matchup. The narrow defeat highlights the competitive nature of professional basketball and the importance of consistent performance throughout the game.
The game saw several lead changes and dramatic moments, ultimately decided in the final seconds. A series of technical fouls against Žalgiris proved pivotal, giving Real Madrid a crucial advantage.
Sylvain Francisco led Žalgiris with a remarkable 33 points, including 7 of 9 three-pointers, along with 11 rebounds and 37 efficiency points. Ąžuolas Tubelis added 19 points, shooting a perfect 6 for 6 from the field, and contributing 5 rebounds and 23 efficiency points. Dustin Sleva contributed 13 points, while Moses Wright and Ignas Brazdeikis each scored 11 and 10 points respectively.
Real Madrid was paced by Theo Maledon’s 25 points and 5 rebounds, followed by Trey Lyles with 21 points and 5 rebounds. Facundo Campazzo added 20 points and 4 rebounds, while Walter Tavares dominated the boards with 12 rebounds and 3 blocks.
Real Madrid initially dominated the first quarter, building an 18-8 lead. Žalgiris responded with a series of three-pointers, closing the gap to 22-16 by the end of the first ten minutes.
The second quarter saw Madrid extend their lead to 28-16, but Žalgiris fought back to within 31-33. However, Real Madrid maintained a 43-37 advantage heading into halftime.
Žalgiris mounted a strong comeback in the third quarter, briefly taking the lead at 45-44. They extended their advantage to 54-47 after five minutes, fueled by the performance of Ąžuolas Tubelis.
Real Madrid rallied late in the third, reducing the deficit to 57-58. Despite Žalgiris leading 62-59 in the final seconds of the quarter, a foul on Maodo Lo allowed Real Madrid to tie the game at 62-62.
The fourth quarter featured a back-and-forth exchange of points. Real Madrid gained a slight edge at 79-76 and 83-79. With less than a minute remaining, Real Madrid extended their lead to 89-81, but Žalgiris quickly answered with two three-pointers, narrowing the gap to 87-89.
Ultimately, the game was decided by late-game fouls. Both Maodo Lo and the Žalgiris bench were assessed technical fouls, giving Real Madrid a 98-93 lead. Sylvain Francisco managed to score two late three-pointers, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit, as Real Madrid secured a 100-99 victory.
“Žalgiris”: Sylvainas Francisco 33 (7/9 tritaškių, 11 rez. perd., 37 naud. bal.), Ąžuolas Tubelis 19 (6/6 dvitaškių, 5 atk. kam., 23 naud. bal.), Dustinas Sleva 13 (3/5 tritaškių), Mosesas Wrightas 11, Ignas Brazdeikis 10 (4/7 dvitaškių), Edgaras Ulanovas 8 (1/4 tritaškių), Laurynas Birutis 4, Maodo Lo 1 (0/3 tritaškių, 5 rez. perd.).
“Real”: Theo Maledonas 25 (7/8 dvitaškių, 5 rez. perd.), Trey’us Lylesas 21 (5 atk. kam., 7/11 dvitaškių), Facundo Campazzo 20 (4 rez. perd.), Walteris Tavaresas 12 (11 atk. kam., 3 blokai), Andresas Felizas (4 per. kam.), Usmanas Garuba ir Alberto Abalde po 6.
Real Madrid has experienced an inconsistent season thus far, currently holding a mid-table position with 6 wins under coach Sergio Scariolo. This performance underscores the challenges faced by even established teams in maintaining consistency throughout a demanding season.
Last week, the Spanish team suffered two losses, first to Valencia (76-89) and then at home against Athens Panathinaikos (77-87).
Žalgiris also faced a difficult week, losing both of their EuroLeague road games: 78-95 to Olympiakos Piraeus and 89-95 to Dubai.
Over the past five matchups between the two teams, Real Madrid has had the upper hand, winning four games. Žalgiris’s last victory against Real Madrid came in December 2023, with a score of 92-83.
Throughout the history of the EuroLeague, Žalgiris and Real Madrid have met 32 times, with Real Madrid winning 26 of those encounters. Their most recent game was in January of this year, where Kaunas suffered a decisive defeat at home, 64-83.
