Anadolu Efes Istanbul delivered a composed and powerful performance in the EuroLeague on September 30, 2026, defeating Real Madrid 94-84 at the Sinan Erdem Dome. In a matchup between two of the competition’s most recognizable clubs, Efes controlled the pace, protected home advantage, and answered every Madrid run with a decisive burst of their own. The 10-point final margin reflected the home side’s poise down the stretch.

Match overview

Efes opened with strong ball movement and aggressive perimeter defense, taking a 24-20 lead after the first quarter. The second period followed a similar pattern: Real Madrid found scoring inside through its frontline, but Efes kept the visitors at arm’s length by knocking down open threes and converting second-chance opportunities. A 24-22 second quarter gave the Turkish club a 48-42 halftime advantage.

After the break, Efes raised its level. A 24-21 third quarter pushed the lead to 72-63, and although Real Madrid trimmed the deficit to five points early in the fourth, the hosts responded with a 10-2 run that effectively decided the game. Efes closed out the final minutes with calm free-throw shooting and a pair of late defensive stands.

Key moments

• First-half control: Efes never trailed after the opening minutes, using a balanced scoring attack to keep Real Madrid from settling into its preferred half-court rhythm.
• Third-quarter surge: A quick 8-0 run midway through the third gave Efes a double-digit cushion and forced Madrid into a timeout.
• Fourth-quarter response: After Real cut the lead to 78-73, Efes answered with back-to-back three-pointers and a fast-break dunk to restore control.
• Defensive stop: With under two minutes remaining, Efes forced a shot-clock violation that ended Madrid’s last realistic comeback chance.

Tactical story

Efes built the win on pick-and-roll execution and quick ball reversals. The home side repeatedly attacked Madrid’s drop coverage, pulling the defense toward the paint before kicking out to shooters. Defensively, Efes switched aggressively on the perimeter and forced Real Madrid into contested mid-range attempts. Madrid’s size advantage inside produced points, but Efes won the rebound battle in the second half and limited second-chance points. The visitors also struggled with turnovers at critical moments, finishing with several costly giveaways in the fourth quarter.

Standout players

• Shane Larkin (Efes): 22 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds, controlling the tempo and hitting key shots in the third and fourth quarters.
• Will Clyburn (Efes): 17 points and 7 rebounds, providing physical wing scoring and important defensive versatility.
• Vincent Poirier (Efes): 12 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the interior against Madrid’s imposing frontcourt.
• Walter Tavares (Real Madrid): 18 points and 11 rebounds, the visitors’ most consistent offensive presence.
• Facundo Campazzo (Real Madrid): 15 points and 8 assists, keeping Madrid within striking distance for much of the night.

Season impact

The win gives Efes an important early-season result against a direct EuroLeague rival. In a regular season where every game carries playoff-seeding weight, a home victory over Real Madrid can shape confidence and tiebreakers later in the campaign. For Madrid, the loss is a reminder that road games in Istanbul remain among the toughest tests in Europe. Both clubs will look to build on their respective performances as the EuroLeague schedule intensifies.