Barca Topples Real Madrid in Latest “El Clasico” Clash

In the latest installment of the Spanish “El Clasico,” FC Regal Barcelona (Barca) prevailed over Real Madrid, 76-68 in Round 13 of the regular season in the Spanish Liga Endesa. As of late, Real Madrid has had some issues with consistency and this loss sends them to fourth place in the league standings with their 10-3 record. Barca and FIATC Joventut share their win-loss record, but both teams seated in second and third respectively. All three clubs are one game behind league leader Unicaja Malaga (11-2), which managed a successful defense of its home court against Tuenti Movil Estudiantes Madrid, 66-62, the other day. Also in the hunt for the pole position is Bilbao Basket (9-4). They are still very much in the thick of things after their easy 70-58 win over Rio Natura Monbus Obradoiro CAB (6-7).

The El Clasico was one the more heavily anticipated games of the round, it was tightly contested as one would expect. Barca took control of the game early and looked like the sharper team from the get-go. That said, Real Madrid was of course, still Real Madrid and their offense allowed them to initially keep in stride with their hosts and only trailed by two points (24-22) after the first 12 minutes of action. The club from Barcelona exploded in the second quarter thanks to some aggressive plays in the low post. They also showed more hustle on the glass. Barca outrebounded Real Madrid 42-26 for the game and that made a big impact as they were able to deny their guests opportunities at second-chance points. By halftime, the home team 47-40 lead.

Real Madrid came up big in the third period and was able to chip away at the lead, knocking it down to just three points. Barca’s shots from the outside were not falling and forcing the issue did nothing to further their cause to come away with a win. In the fourth, they went back to their gameplan and attacked the basket and crashed the boards. Real Madrid was outmuscled and could not pull out the road victory.

Real Madrid’s backcourt duo of Sergio Llull and Rudy Fernandez had a quiet night and were only able to combine for 20 points. Jonas Maciulis led the team with 14 points. Ante Tomic and Justin Doellman anchored Barca’s offense with 12 points apiece.