Turkish Airlines EuroLeague: revenge for Real Madrid in El Clasico

Real Madrid traveled to Barcelona in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague on Friday and took revenge for last Sunday’s cup final defeat in a demolition job. Elsewhere in round 23, Khimki took out Panathinaikos at home, while Zalgiris smashed Efes on the road. Finally, Brose Bamberg took out Crvena Zvezda in style. Like yesterday, the evening was defined by massive victories, with each game ending with a deficit of more than 10 points.

Khimki Moscow Region vs. Panathinaikos Athens, 78-61

Khimki re-ignited its Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with a massive home win over Panathinaikos Athens, moving to 14-9. The loss off arguably its worst performance of the season left Panathinaikos on the same 14-9 showing as Khimki. The hosts controlled the game in the first half and went into the long break with a 46-31 lead. Panathinaikos improved in the second half, but could not cut into Khimki’s advantage as the home team cruised to victory.

Anadolu Efes Istanbul vs. Zalgiris Kaunas, 70-86

Anadolu Efes remains rooted to the bottom of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings and a loss dropped the club to 6-17, slowly being cut adrift from the rest of the league. As for Zalgiris, the club continues to have its best continental campaign in years and now moves to 14-9 alongside Real Madrid, Panathinaikos, and Khimki. Despite leading 23-21 after 10 minutes, Efes crumbled as Zalgiris gathered the momentum and had an easy ride through the game, including a 13-24 run that set the tone for the contest.

Brose Bamberg vs. Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, 86-62

Two of the most inconsistent teams in the competition clashed on Friday and the result went comfortably to the home team. German champs Brose Bamberg demolished Crvena Zvezda to move to 9-14, with both teams now locked on this record. A 25-13 run in the second act allowed the hosts a 46-36 lead at halftime and Bamberg never looked back from the double-digit advantage. A 23-9 run in the third quarter all but killed any hope the visitors had of getting back into the game.

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid, 74-101

These clubs played a second El Clasico in less than a week. On Sunday, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, but in the EuroLeague Madrid inflicted a massive revenge on Barca’s own floor. Los Blancos was white hot was better in every department, topping 30 points in the first and third quarters to stun the hosts. The victory allowed Real Madrid to move to 14-9, while Barcelona’s embarrassing continental season continues and the club is one from last with a 7-16 record.