The FC Barcelona basketball team went down to a 80-61 defeat in the Movistar Arena against Real Madrid in a game in which Xavi Pascual's team were always up against it.

Tavares sets the tone

The first period began with the home side taking an early advantage in the opening minutes with Tavares outstanding. Real Madrid pressed home their advantage to take a 21-14 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

In the second period Barça attempted to cut the deficit with Laprovittola and Fall scoring points on the inside and Satoransky from the perimeter. The blaugranes moved to within three points before a late rally from Real Madrid saw the home side take a 43-31 lead into the second half. 

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Shengelia and Brizuela led a second half charge that brought the blaugranes to within five at 45-40. However, Real Madrid responded with 10 unanswered points to surge ahead at 55-40. The third quarter ended with the blaugranes down by 16 at 63-47. 

The fourth period saw Barça continue to have problems on offense. Real Madrid controlled the contest to close out a 80-61 win with Barça next in action on Sunday away at San Pablo Burgos at 12pm CET. 

MATCH STATS

REAL MADRID, 80
BARÇA, 61

Real Madrid: Campazzo (6), Abalde (2), Hezonja (12), Okeke (2), Tavares (11) - starting five - Lyles (9), Maledon (6), Deck (12), Garuba (16), Llull (2), Feliz (-), Len (2)

Barça: Parra (2), Vesely (2), Punter (3), Norris (-), Satoransky (9) - starting five - Marcos (-), Cale (-), Brizuela (13), Hernangomez (6), Fall (4), Laprovittola (12), Shengelia (10).

Quarters: 21-14, 22-17 // 20-16, 17-14

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