Baskonia Stuns Real Madrid in Liga ACB Thriller
In a high-stakes Liga ACB showdown on the night of May 28, 2026, Baskonia Vitoria pulled off a gritty 88–83 road victory over powerhouse Real Madrid. The match, played at the WiZink Center in Madrid, saw Baskonia overcome a determined home side through clutch shooting and relentless defensive pressure in the fourth quarter.
Match Overview
Real Madrid entered the contest as favorites, boasting a deep roster and home-court advantage. However, Baskonia came out with intense energy, matching the hosts basket for basket in the opening half. The game remained tight through three quarters, with neither team able to build a double-digit lead. The turning point came in the final frame, when Baskonia's backcourt duo took control, hitting key three-pointers and forcing critical turnovers.
Key Moments
- First Quarter: Real Madrid started strong behind their veteran forwards, leading 24–21 after the first 10 minutes.
- Second Quarter: Baskonia answered with a 12–2 run, taking a 45–43 lead into halftime. Their bench outscored Madrid's reserves 18–10.
- Third Quarter: The home side regained momentum, using full-court pressure to retake a slim 66–64 advantage heading into the fourth.
- Fourth Quarter Decider: With six minutes left, Baskonia unleashed a 14–4 surge, sparked by two consecutive steals that led to fast-break layups. Madrid never recovered, and Baskonia sealed the win at the free-throw line.
Standout Performers
Baskonia's dominant guard play was the difference. Markus Howard led all scorers with 27 points, including five three-pointers, and added 6 assists. Matt Costello contributed a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, controlling the paint against Madrid's big men. For Real Madrid, Walter Tavares posted 18 points and 8 rebounds, while Facundo Campazzo dished out 10 assists but struggled with his shooting (4-of-13 from the field).
Impact on the Standings
The victory was crucial for Baskonia's playoff positioning, moving them into the top four of the Liga ACB table. Real Madrid, despite the loss, remained near the top, but this result highlighted their vulnerability against disciplined, perimeter-oriented teams. The head-to-head tiebreaker now favors Baskonia, which could prove decisive in the final standings.
What’s Next
Both teams face quick turnarounds. Real Madrid will travel to face Valencia Basket in a midweek clash, while Baskonia returns home to host Unicaja Málaga. With the postseason approaching, every possession matters—and this win gives Baskonia a major confidence boost.

