Real Madrid delivered one of the standout road performances of the early EuroLeague season, defeating Olimpia Milano 98-89 at the Mediolanum Forum in a game they controlled for the better part of three quarters. The Spanish giants combined efficient perimeter shooting with a dominant interior presence, handing the Italian side a second consecutive home defeat and underlining their credentials as one of the teams to beat in Europe.
Match Overview
Milano started brightly in front of a lively home crowd, trading baskets with Real Madrid through the opening ten minutes and briefly taking a lead in the second quarter. But the visitors' depth told. A 12-2 run late in the first half turned a one-point deficit into a double-digit cushion, and from that point on Real Madrid always had an answer whenever the home side threatened.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring
- Q1: Milano 22-25 Real Madrid
- Q2: Milano 24-26 Real Madrid (half-time: 46-51)
- Q3: Milano 20-23 Real Madrid (66-74)
- Q4: Milano 23-24 Real Madrid (final: 89-98)
Key Moments
The game's defining sequence arrived midway through the third quarter. Milano had cut the deficit to five and the Forum was at its loudest, only for Real Madrid to respond with back-to-back three-pointers and a fast-break finish in under two minutes. The nine-point swing silenced the crowd and forced Milano into a timeout they never truly recovered from. Every time the hosts trimmed the gap to single digits in the fourth, Madrid answered with a high-percentage look inside or a trip to the free-throw line.
Tactical Story
Real Madrid's pick-and-roll defence was the foundation of the win. By forcing Milano's guards away from the middle of the floor and contesting the pull-up jumper, they limited the home side to a low shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Offensively, Madrid's ball movement was patient and unselfish, producing a healthy assist count and a string of open corner looks. Milano's switching scheme left mismatches in the post, and the visitors exploited them relentlessly.
Standout Performers
- Real Madrid: Their centre anchored both ends with a double-double and multiple blocks, while the backcourt duo dictated tempo and combined for a high share of the team's assists.
- Olimpia Milano: The Italian side's leading scorer battled throughout and finished with a team-high points total, but received limited support from the bench on a difficult shooting night.
Season Impact
For Real Madrid, the result extends an encouraging start and strengthens their position near the top of the EuroLeague standings, where point differential can matter enormously later in the season. For Milano, the defeat raises questions about consistency at home and the team's ability to close out tight quarters against elite opposition. With a demanding schedule ahead, the Italian club will need faster starts and better bench production to stay in the playoff conversation.

