Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Tip-off: 21:00 CET
Venue: Movistar Arena, Madrid
Competition: EuroLeague – Round 15
Recent history: In their recent EuroLeague meetings, games between these two have often been close, none decided by more than six points.
Starting Lineups
Real Madrid
PG: Facundo Campazzo #7
SG: Mario Hezonja #11
SF: Trey Lyles #1
PF: Gaby Deck #14
C: Edy Tavares #22
Baskonia
PG: Macus Howard #0
SG: Kobi Simmions #2
SF: Kurucs Rodions #7
PF: Gytis Radzevicious #17
C: Knalfia Diop #18
Injury Report
Real Madrid:
Trey Lyles – questionable (illness) ahead of tip-off.
Baskonia:
Trent Forrest – out
Tadas Sedekerskis – doubtful
Game Preview
Real Madrid returns home to the Movistar Arena on Thursday night looking to extend one of their strongest stretches of the season. After four straight victories away from home, Los Blancos walk into Round 15 with confidence, rhythm, and clear momentum. The defending champions have been locked in on both ends of the floor throughout this recent run, and playing in front of their home crowd only strengthens their position as one of the teams to beat in the EuroLeague right now.
Baskonia arrives to Moviestar arena seeking stability. With a new coach and a young squad, their season has been marked by inconsistency, moments of brilliance followed by stretches of uneven play, but their matchups against Madrid often bring out their best. Recent history between these clubs has been surprisingly tight, none of their last several EuroLeague meetings have been decided by more than six points. Even in years where Madrid entered in better form, Baskonia has managed to keep things competitive deep into the fourth quarter. That trend alone makes this matchup one to watch, even if the statistical and narrative momentum leans toward Madrid.
Pre-Game Headlines
The biggest pre-game storyline for Madrid revolves around Trey Lyles. The versatile forward has been impactful since joining the lineup, and his ability to space the floor while guarding multiple positions adds a layer of tactical flexibility for Sergio Scariolo. Whether he is cleared to play may affect rotations, especially in the frontcourt where Madrid typically dominates the glass and interior scoring.
For Baskonia, the absence of Forrest and the uncertain status of Sedekerskis puts additional responsibility on the perimeter trio of Howard, Simmons, and Kurucs. Howard’s shot-making ability remains Baskonia’s biggest offensive weapon, but Madrid’s defensive schemes — particularly Campazzo’s ball pressure and Tavares’ rim protection — could make his night complicated.
What to Watch
One of the key factors will be tempo and depth. Madrid’s bench has been one of their greatest strengths this season, allowing them to sustain intensity for 40 minutes. If Baskonia can’t match that pace, the game could tilt early. Interior defense will be equally crucial; controlling the boards and limiting second-chance points will be essential for keeping the game close.
Expact a physical duel. Scariolo rarely loses control of a match at home, but Baskonia’s coaching staff has found creative ways to hang around in past meetings.
Match Recap
Real Madrid continues their win streak in strong home form, with a controlled but hard-earned EuroLeague victory over Baskonia at the Movistar Arena, navigating another tight contest between two familiar opponents
Madrid set the tone early through disciplined execution and defensive intensity, using Facundo Campazzo to dictate pace while Edy Tavares anchored the paint on both ends. Baskonia responded with perimeter shot-making and aggressive transitions, keeping the score close across the opening quarters and forcing Madrid into a half-court battle rather than the free-flowing rhythm they often enjoy at home.
The third quarter proved decisive. Madrid raised the defensive pressure, limited second-chance opportunities, and found timely scoring from Mario Hezonja and Gabriel Deck, creating just enough separation to establish control. Baskonia continued to fight, led by strong individual efforts from the backcourt, but struggled to consistently finish inside against Madrid’s interior defense.
Down the stretch, Madrid managed the game with experience and composure. Campazzo’s control, combined with smart shot selection and rebounding discipline, allowed the hosts to protect their lead despite Baskonia’s late push. The visitors threatened from the perimeter but were unable to string together enough stops to flip the momentum.
In the end, Madrid’s depth, defensive structure, and home-court poise made the difference in another closely contested EuroLeague meeting. The win reinforces Los Blancos’ momentum as they continue to climb the standings, while Baskonia leave Madrid encouraged by the competitiveness but frustrated by missed opportunities late.