The Madrid basketball club opened the 2025-2026 EuroLeague season with a disappointing result. In the first round, the team lost to the Italian Virtus from Bologna, finishing the game with a considerable gap.
The Spaniards struggled significantly with long-range shots. Throughout the game, Real’s players managed to score from beyond the arc only three times out of twenty-three attempts. The game was particularly challenging for Hezonja, who missed all seven of his three-pointers, even though he ended up as the team’s top scorer with 14 points. Deck was the second most effective player, adding 12 points to Madrid’s tally.
For Virtus, Nyang, Edwards, and Vildoza played key roles, making a significant contribution to their team’s victory. The Italian side maintained control throughout the game, not allowing their opponent to impose their style.
This result broke Real’s winning streak, as they had previously defeated Virtus five times in a row in head-to-head matchups. Now, the Madrid side must prepare for their next EuroLeague fixture on Thursday evening against Greek club Olympiacos.
The defeat in the opening match of the season came as a surprise to fans and experts, given the Spanish club’s recent successes on the European stage. However, with a long season ahead, Real will have the chance to turn things around.
