By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Pedro Martinez’s tenure as Real Madrid head coach began with a 110-102 preseason defeat to Rio Breogan in Pontevedra.
Madrid remained competitive until the closing stages, but their lack of rhythm and conditioning became increasingly evident. The EuroLeague side was without Facundo Campazzo, Gabriel Deck, Andres Feliz, Jaime Pradilla, Max Shulga, Mikael Jantunen and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot.
With limited options available, Martinez used a short rotation. Theo Maledon and Gabriele Procida were aggressive from the start, while Olivier Sarr also produced several positive plays. However, Breogan imposed its physicality and led 26-22 after the opening quarter.
Walter Tavares made his return following a serious knee injury and provided some productive minutes, but Breogan continued to find success from three-point range and in transition to take a 51-46 halftime lead.
The hosts remained in control after the break as Madrid relied heavily on individual plays from Sarr, Maledon and Alberto Abalde. Chuma Okeke sparked a comeback that put Los Blancos ahead 79-78 entering the final quarter.
Breogan nevertheless regained control down the stretch and secured the victory, with Madrid’s lack of match fitness becoming apparent in the closing minutes.
Bayern opens preseason with win over Ulm
Bayern Munich opened their preseason with a 91-86 victory over Ratiopharm Ulm at BMW Park. Anton Gavel’s team made a strong start and led 27-14 after the first quarter before holding off Ulm in an intense finish with solid defense and composed free-throw shooting.
Niels Giffey led the winning side with 13 points, followed by Miles Norris with 12. Austin Wiley added 12 points and nine rebounds, while Johannes Voigtmann scored 11. Gavel used 13 players, with Duane Washington Jr. rested and German internationals Oscar da Silva and Johannes Thiemann unavailable.
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