Turkish Airlines EuroLeague: Panathinaikos beats Real Madrid
Round 9 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague wrapped on Friday with three contests among Europe’s biggest club teams. Fenerbahce secured a home win over Khimki Moscow Region, while Panathinaikos edged Real Madrid on the back of a huge second half. Finally, CSKA Moscow visited Malaga and claimed an important road win.
Fenerbahce Istanbul vs. Khimki Moscow Region, 71-67
Reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champs Fenerbahce controlled large periods of this game and defeated Khimki, albeit by weathering a Russian storm in the fourth quarter. The win pushes Fener to 6-3, while Khimki’s recent poor form as seen the club slip from top of the standings to 7th (5-4). Fenerbahce was 38-26 ahead at the long break and stayed 10 points in front through thirty minutes. Khimki made a game of it in the fourth, but the hosts held for the win.
Panathinaikos Athens vs. Real Madrid, 82-80
In a clash of two Turkish EuroLeague giants, Panathinaikos edged past Real Madrid. The win moves the Athens club to 6-3, while Madrid’s continental season is unravelling, and the club sits at 5-4. Los Blancos put on a stellar 54-point half to lead 40-54 at the midway points. However, Panathinaikos roared back in the third act with a 24-15 run, before carrying the momentum right to the final buzzer and a narrow road win. The hosts secured the victory literally in the closing seconds of the contest.
Unicaja Malaga vs. CSKA Moscow, 80-89
CSKA Moscow travelled to the EuroCup champs and came away from the Spanish coast with a victory that keeps the Russians top on 7-2. Malaga on the other hand continues to hunt for consistency and is now at 3-6. CSKA got off to a flying start and used a 16-27 first half to build a deficit that Malaga would struggle against for the rest of the game. Sergio Rodriguez was instrumental in the win with 21 points.