Real Madrid (‎Los Blancos) | Special Thread

Real Madrid (‎Los Blancos) | Special Thread

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  • LIGA ENDESA
  • FINAL (GAME 1)
  • 19/06/2015

BARCLAYCARD CENTER
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78
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72


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Real Madrid defeated Barcelona in game one of the Endesa League finals, with Rudy (17 points and a PIR of 21) leading the way in an excellent team display that saw five players pick up index ratings of over 10, as the Whites protected their home-court advantage and took a 1-0 advantage in the battle for the title. In under 48 hours, the Barclaycard Center hosts round two (Sunday, 12:30pm).

There was little time to get settled as the finals got underway in sixth gear from the off. Both teams came out at full throttle from the first minute, and there was barely anything to separate them (16-17) until 8', when Real Madrid began to find the basket from the perimeter to break the deadlock and take the initiative in the encounter. Three consecutive three-pointers from Sergio Rodríguez, Rudy (9 points with just one miss) and Nocioni guided Madrid to an 11-0 run in the minute that followed (27-20, min. 9) to see the first quarter end 27-20.

Team display from Madrid
With Barcelona making up for their six turnovers courtesy of three-pointers (5), Madrid's maximum lead arrived in the opening exchanges of the second quarter. Nocioni injected his dose of aggression and passion with another fantastic block on Tomic (2 personal fouls) that brought the Palacio to its feet, and his side moved 9 ahead on 11' (31-23). Barcelona pushed to get to within 5 on 25' with Huertas (7 points) and Hezonja taking over in offence from Satoransky and Lampe, but the Whites withstood the visitors' charge thanks to the inspiration of Carroll (6 consecutive points) and the great work of Reyes (47-38, min. 20).

FIVE MADRID PLAYERS PICKED UP INDEX RATINGS IN DOUBLE DIGITS.
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Rudy, with another two threes to close out and open up the game at its halfway stage, put his team at 50-40 on 21'. Madrid were asserting their collective play while Barcelona looked to their individuals in offence. Doellman it was who responded with five points to again cut the deficit to five in a quarter in which the defences came to the fore (50-45, min. 23). With key man Tomic on the bench with three fouls thanks to the defence of Ayón, los blaugranas enjoyed their best spell of play, imposing a slow, unhurried rhythm on the game. However, Llull was there to come to the rescue with several crucial baskets to contain his side's opponents (59-53, min. 30).

The solidity of the European champions
Real Madrid demonstrated their mental strength in the final quarter. With the Whites 11 points in front following a three from Maciulis on 34’, Barcelona reacted, taking advantage of moments of imprecision from the hosts with Herzonja on fire. The small forward scored a trio of three-pointers (5/5) to drive los azulgranas to a 15-4 run to get themselves right back into the match (70-68, min. 38). But Madrid produced their best in defence, showing aggression and controlling rebounds, just as they had for much of the clash. 'El Chacho' (6 points), Rudy and Reyes took charge in the final minutes, ensuring the victory from the free-throw line (78-72, min. 40).

Squads
REAL MADRID 78 (27+20+12+19): Llull (9), Rudy (17), Rivers (0), Reyes (12) and Ayón (10) --starting five--; Carroll (8), Sergio Rodríguez (12), Bourousis (-), Nocioni (5), Maciulis (3), Slaughter (0) and Mejri (2).

BARCELONA 72 (20+20+13+19): Satoransky (7), Oleson (2), Thomas (4), Lampe (9) and Tomic (2).--starting five--; Hezonja (18), Huertas (9), Abrines (0), Nachbar (1), Pleiss (6), Navarro (7) and Doellman (7).
 
Satellite


​"After the three three-pointers by Hezonja, Rudy's appearance in defence was key", he said.
Pablo Laso assessed Real Madrid's victory in game one of the Endesa League finals: "It was a typical playoffs match for the full 40 minutes. Both sides put on a very good first half. Our shooting accuracy enabled us to carve out a lead, which we managed to preserve in the second. In the third quarter, the game changed and defences were on top. When we were 10 ahead, some turnovers for us and Hezonja's shooting brought them back into the match, but in the end we got a win that we knew was going to be difficult".

"After the three three-pointers by Hezonja, Rudy's appearance in defence was key. He was able to stop him, and he provided security. In offence, we showed the patience to find the best situation. And then we were accurate on free throws and came away with a victory that we had to fight really hard for".

Possible Navarro injury
"As a coach, you want to play against everyone. Losing Navarro means losing an important weapon. We've suffered at his hands and we have respect for him. But in a team like Barcelona, who have such a deep rotation in those positions, there are enough weapons, such as Hezonja today, who grew as the game progressed".

AYÓN HAS A NIGGLE BUT WE HOPE TO BE AT FULL STRENGTH ON SUNDAY.
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"In the playoffs it's very important to value the win that you've earned and move on, because the next game will be different. Going two-nil up would obviously be very important, but we know that it's going to be a long, hard series and we have to be ready to play Sunday's match at the same level or at a higher level than today".

Impressions
"We were the better side in the first half. We went in for the break seven points ahead, but we could have had a bigger lead. They showed what a good side they are and kept a hold on the match. In the second half, it was a more even game. We were dealing with the match well, but the emergence of Hezonja changed things. In even matches anyone can make their mark, just as 'El Chacho' did at the end".
 

Di Maria: "Winning the Champions League with Real Madrid is the best thing that ever happened to me".

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