By Alex Molina/ info@eurohoops.net
Italian coach Sergio Scariolo expressed strong satisfaction following Real Madrid Baloncesto’s victory over FC Barcelona Baloncesto, highlighting his team’s complete display and collective effort in a game that strengthens their position at the top of the league.
Scariolo emphasized the team’s balance on both ends of the court, noting he was pleased “to have played a very complete game on both sides of the floor,” while also praising the contribution from every player. He pointed to the second quarter as the decisive stretch, when Madrid found offensive rhythm: “We had a moment of great shooting, creating high-quality shots, and sometimes the shots don’t fall. Today they did in the second quarter, and that opened a gap that we managed well.”
Despite the convincing win, the coach quickly turned attention to the demanding schedule ahead. “We have a brutal calendar. We traveled from Kaunas directly here, we played now and we play again Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday,” he explained, underlining the physical and mental toll on his squad. In that context, he made clear that the immediate priority lies in European competition: “A very good game today, but the truly decisive games are in the EuroLeague, on Tuesday and Thursday.”
Looking at the bigger picture, Scariolo preferred to focus on the team’s growth rather than symbolic statements. “We’ve increased the gap over Barça, secured first place, maintained a very high rhythm in the league with a fantastic record, and we continue improving our basketball while getting players back… that’s the most important thing,” he said. On whether this win sends a message to rivals, he added: “Statements are made at the end, when the table is the one that really matters.”
Defensively, Madrid also delivered a strong showing. Scariolo highlighted “a more than solid defensive presence that limited them quite a lot,” combined with efficient shooting that effectively ended any hopes of a comeback for Barcelona.
Still, the Italian coach expects future encounters to be much tighter. “Today it wasn’t a close game, but the next one will probably be. We’ll likely meet again—hopefully in decisive moments,” he concluded, anticipating more high-stakes clashes between Spain’s two basketball giants.