On May 17, 2026, Real Madrid Baloncesto fell to Club Joventut Badalona 81-89 at the Movistar Arena. Despite a strong opening half from Real Madrid, Joventut rallied late behind an efficient offensive performance to secure an important win in the playoff race.
The opening quarter was dominated by defensive intensity from both sides, with Real Madrid Baloncesto gradually finding rhythm through strong rebounding and interior presence. Mario Hezonja, Chuma Okeke, and Usman Garuba helped control the glass early. At the same time, Okeke and Garuba contributed five points apiece to give Madrid an early edge before the second unit extended the lead. Theo Maledon and Andrés Feliz added energy offensively as Madrid finished the first quarter ahead 20-15.
Real Madrid looked set to take control early in the second quarter after a 7-2 run sparked by Almansa and Procida opened up a double-digit advantage. However, Joventut responded with increased defensive pressure and a stronger inside presence through Ruzic and Birgander. Despite several ties on the scoreboard, Madrid maintained composure before halftime thanks to important baskets from Krämer, Okeke, and Hezonja to take a narrow 40-38 lead into the break.
At halftime, the club paid tribute to Real Madrid legend Clifford Luyk in an emotional ceremony inside the Movistar Arena. The heartfelt recognition honoured one of the greatest figures in the history of the basketball section.
The game remained close throughout the third quarter as Joventut repeatedly threatened to take control. Real Madrid struggled from three-point range but found more success attacking the basket directly. Sergio Llull and Hezonja responded to Joventut’s momentum, while Hakanson and Ruzic kept the visitors in front for stretches of the period. Scariolo’s side finished the quarter strongly with improved defensive intensity and transition play, using drives from Feliz and Maledon to regain a 62-59 advantage entering the final ten minutes.
Madrid briefly held momentum early in the fourth quarter after Procida produced one of the plays of the game with a one-handed alley-oop dunk from Maledon. Joventut quickly answered with a decisive 0-7 run, highlighted by a Ricky Rubio three-pointer and a four-point play from Hunt that completely shifted the momentum. From there, the visitors controlled the closing stages and secured the 81-89 victory in Madrid.