Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 78-66 in the 2nd semi-final of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Final Four and became Olympiacos’ opponent in the final.
The match played at the Zalgirio Arena in Kaunas, Lithuania, started the match with Barcelona, Nico Laprovittola, Tomas Satoransky, Alex Abrines, Nikola Mirotic and Sertaç Şanlı. Real Madrid’s starting 5 consisted of Nigel Williams-Goss, Adam Hanga, Dzanan Musa, Eli Ndiaye and Walter Tavares.
Real Madrid, which started the match effectively using Tavares under the basket, was ahead 10-3 in the first 4 minutes. Finding the balance with Kalinic’s three-pointers from the sideline, Barcelona increased the lead to 4 with Abrines’ three-pointer with 2.53 left in the first period: 15-11. In the remaining part, Madrid team scored points with Tavares and the first period ended with 18-18 draw.
Making an effective defensive start in the second period, Barcelona brought the score to 27-22 with 6.13 remaining to the end with the points of two players Kuric and Jokubaitis coming from the sidelines. Continuing to score points from its short players, Barcelona was ahead by 7 points in the last 2 minutes of the period: 36-29. Madrid team reduced the lead to 6 with a 3-pointer from Llull with 3 seconds before the end of the period, and Barcelona finished the first half ahead 42-36.
Real Madrid, who started the third quarter with Hezonja’s three-pointer, could not prevent Abrines and Laprovittola’s points, and entered the last 7 minutes of the period 8 different behinds: 47-39. Taking full control after this minute, the Madrid team managed to dissolve the difference by effectively using Tavares under the pot. Realizing a 10-0 series in less than 3 minutes, the Madrid team took the lead with Musa’s dunk with 4.07 remaining: 47-49. Real Madrid, which maintained its superiority in the remaining section, entered the final period leading 58-55.
Both teams started the last period with difficulty in scoring. Only Laprovittola’s three-pointer in the first 4 minutes of the period was equaled 58-58 in the remaining 6 minutes. In the remaining part, Madrid took control of the game with Rodriguez’s involvement in the offensive, leading 69-61 in the last 3 minutes. Maintaining its superiority in the remaining section, Real Madrid won the park 78-66 and advanced to the final.
The final match between Olympiacos and Real Madrid in Turkish Airlines EuroLeague will be played on Sunday, May 21. Before this match, Monaco and Barcelona will fight for the 3rd place.