On November 10, 2002, with Javi Rodríguez and Devin Davis as stars, Breogán shocked Real Madrid on the road (77-81) at the Saporta Pavilion. Nearly 24 years later, they finally did it again: a 97-101 victory this Sunday. The heroics came from Serbian Aleksandar Aranitović (19 points, 7 in the final quarter) and Croatian Dominik Mavra (all 16 in the second half). Key contributions also came from Dibba’s steals, the towering Branković, Russell’s 6 assists, Cook’s timely shooting to keep his team in the game in the second quarter, and coach Luis Casimiro’s composure to weather Madrid’s comeback—and a decisive video challenge.
With 2:39 left, Aranitović pushed the lead to +11 (84-95). In the final stretch, Llull’s 10 points (12 of 20 in the fourth) brought Real Madrid within 96-99 with 24 seconds left. The captain tried to create a shot but passed to Procida, who was forced to a tough attempt. Lyles grabbed the rebound, missed, then scored on the second possession and drew a foul—a potential 2+1 that could force overtime. Casimiro called a challenge; the foul was ruled prior (the referee hesitated), the basket was wiped off, igniting the Movistar Arena. Lyles made the first free throw but intentionally missed the second, and the rebound didn’t fall.
Río Breogán had survived the leader’s onslaught. They even needed video review, but they got it done. A huge win in an impressive season—their fifth in the last eight games. Safe from all danger. For Real Madrid, playing without Tavares, Garuba, Deck, and Kramer (ill), the worst news was Alex Len’s foot injury. The Ukrainian (17 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks for a PIR of 26) had been shining in the comeback, particularly when Madrid rallied from a 69-81 deficit with eight minutes left. Almansa replaced him and logged 20:08 on court. The situation was dire, as defeat loomed at Calle Goya. Coach Scariolo, however, did not turn to Campazzo or Hezonja (16 points), who sat for the final 12:45.
Andrés Feliz tries to recover the ball. Mihajlo Andrić sank the two free throws from the foul and sealed the win. (Photo: Eduardo Candel Reviejo)
Madrid now has as many games as Dončić’s jersey number in the NBA: 77 played since the season began seven and a half months ago. Their record is 56-21 after losing the Supercopa and Copa finals, mathematically locking up first place in the league last round, and qualifying for the EuroLeague Final Four on Thursday. After so many weeks without rest, Sunday’s game was the first with nothing at stake for either side: Madrid had already secured top spot, and Breogán, comfortably safe, had secured survival and couldn’t reach the playoffs. For the Lucense club, this was a golden chance to battle for a win at the Palacio—one that comes rarely. And they seized it.
On the benches, a classic duel between Scariolo and Casimiro, dating back to the 1998 final—the bombazo of Manresa.
