My first experience in the Spanish basketball world
ACB LiGA: Matchday 4: Real Madrid – Baxi Manresa (26/10/2025)
On matchday 4 of the Spanish basketball league, the Movistar Arena hosted the clash between Real Madrid and Baxi Manresa. For me personally, this was my first time visiting this venue. Naturally, I did some research beforehand: what could I expect exactly? On paper, it looked like a manageable task for the home side. Especially with the European showdown against Bayern Munich scheduled just two days later, it was interesting to see how sharp Real Madrid would start this game. After all, the basketball team plays far more matches than the football team.
The arena was well filled. Many supporters were still euphoric after the final whistle of El Clásico, which was clearly noticeable in the stands. The atmosphere was immediately great, helped by a passionate group of fans dressed in purple who made themselves heard throughout the entire game. In addition, there was an impressive “white wall,” similar to the one seen with the men’s football team. It was very cool to see that the supporters’ section was divided into a white and a purple area.
With the men’s football team having already secured a victory earlier that day, it had the potential to become a very successful Sunday for the club. During the game I wrote my own match report.
Quarter 1
Manresa started the game sharply with a few quick tap-ins, while Real Madrid missed some opportunities in the opening minute. The visitors found their way to the basket surprisingly easily and even opened their three-point account early in the quarter. For Real, Tavares and Hezonja took care of the scoring, with Tavares clearly acting as the main focal point.
After a hesitant start, Real found its rhythm. The away side found it increasingly difficult to score, having to work noticeably harder for their points. Despite the physical nature of the game, surprisingly few fouls were called. With 3:31 left on the clock, the first timeout followed. At 19–17, it was clear that Manresa were certainly holding their own, although Real’s superiority was slowly beginning to show.
Quarter 2
The second quarter opened with a three-pointer to make it 24–17, but Real then played somewhat too nonchalantly, especially from beyond the arc. The visitors took advantage and even came back to 28–27. After a timeout—once again accompanied by strong entertainment and dance acts—Real restored order.
Both teams missed a few open chances, but halfway through the quarter Real created the first real gap: 38–30. At the end of the quarter, Manresa had a big opportunity on the fast break, but failed to capitalize. As a result, Real Madrid headed into the locker room with a seven-point lead: 42–35.
Quarter 3
After the break, scoring was initially scarce. The game went back and forth, but real three-pointers were hard to come by. At 54–42 came the turning point of the match: a made basket was followed by a foul, giving Real an extra free throw and extending the lead to 55–42. Manresa immediately called a timeout.
From that moment on, Real kept control without really accelerating. With the score at 65–55 after three quarters—23–20 in this period—the home side appeared to have the game firmly under control.
Quarter 4
Real opened the final quarter straight away with a basket and continued to extend the lead. At 75–61, a turnover by Manresa was finished off with a spectacular dunk, sending the crowd into another frenzy. Shortly after, another timeout was called.
When Campazzo drained a three-pointer to make it 78–61, it was clear that the game was completely wrapped up. Real Madrid saw out the match in a mature manner and secured a well-deserved victory, the perfect preparation for the upcoming European clash against Bayern Munich and later against Fenerbahce.
A fine conclusion to a very successful Sunday for the club, Real Madrid.
It was certainly a successful first experience with the Madrid basketball team, and I’m already looking forward to seeing them in action more often in the future.