Dubai 95-98 Real Madrid — Real Madrid survived a serious scare in the EuroLeague SuperCup on September 19, 2026, edging a determined Dubai side 98-95 in a thrilling preseason showcase. The Spanish giants needed a late 8-0 run and two clutch free throws from Facundo Campazzo to escape with the win against a Dubai team that refused to back down.

A Preseason Thriller in Dubai

The EuroLeague SuperCup may be an exhibition tournament, but there was nothing friendly about the intensity in this one. Dubai, eager to prove themselves against one of Europe’s elite, came out firing and led for much of the first half. Real Madrid, playing their first competitive minutes of the new season, looked rusty early but found their championship pedigree when it mattered most.

The game featured 12 lead changes and was tied at 88-88 with just over three minutes remaining. That’s when Real Madrid’s experience took over. Walter Tavares anchored the defense with two massive blocks, and Campazzo orchestrated a decisive 8-0 run that put the game out of reach.

Key Moments

The first quarter belonged to Dubai, who shot 60% from the field and took a 28-24 lead behind sharpshooting from Klemen Prepelic. Real Madrid responded in the second quarter, using a 12-2 run to briefly take the lead, but Dubai’s bench kept them within striking distance. At halftime, the score was 51-49 in favor of the hosts.

The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to pull away. Real Madrid’s Mario Hezonja caught fire, scoring 11 points in the period, but Dubai’s Dwayne Bacon answered with 10 of his own. Entering the fourth, the game was knotted at 74-74.

In the final minutes, Real Madrid’s defense tightened. Tavares altered several shots at the rim, and Campazzo’s steal with 45 seconds left led to a fast-break layup that gave Madrid a 96-92 lead. Dubai had one last chance to tie, but Prepelic’s contested three-pointer rimmed out, and Campazzo sealed it at the line.

Standout Players

• Walter Tavares (Real Madrid): 20 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks. He was a force on both ends and dominated the paint in the fourth quarter.
• Facundo Campazzo (Real Madrid): 18 points, 9 assists, 3 steals. The Argentine guard controlled the tempo and made the biggest plays down the stretch.
• Klemen Prepelic (Dubai): 24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists. He kept Dubai in the game with clutch shooting and fearless drives.
• Dwayne Bacon (Dubai): 20 points, 6 rebounds. His mid-range game was unstoppable for stretches.

Tactical Breakdown

Real Madrid relied heavily on their pick-and-roll chemistry between Campazzo and Tavares, especially in crunch time. Dubai struggled to contain Tavares’ rolls to the rim, and when they collapsed, Campazzo found open shooters. Defensively, Madrid switched to a zone in the fourth quarter, which disrupted Dubai’s rhythm and forced them into tough outside shots.

Dubai, coached by a staff with NBA experience, showed impressive ball movement and spacing. They attacked Madrid’s slower big men with dribble penetration and kick-outs, generating open threes. However, they went cold at the worst possible time, missing their final four field-goal attempts.

What It Means

While the EuroLeague SuperCup does not count toward regular-season standings, this win gives Real Madrid valuable momentum and a chance to build chemistry before the EuroLeague tips off. For Dubai, the performance was a statement: they can compete with the best in Europe. A three-point loss to Real Madrid will boost their confidence as they continue to build their program.

Up Next

Real Madrid return to Spain for their final preseason tune-ups before the EuroLeague season begins. Dubai will continue their SuperCup campaign, looking to bounce back and prove that this near-upset was no fluke.