The 2023 Real Madrid Olympiacos EuroLeague Final delivered unparalleled drama. It was one of the most exciting championship games in history. Real Madrid secured a stunning 79-78 victory over the Greek giants. This win earned Los Blancos their record-extending 11th EuroLeague title. The thrilling final seconds in Kaunas, Lithuania, defined the result. Real Madrid, the perennial powerhouse, celebrated a hard-fought title. Olympiacos, the season’s best team, was left utterly stunned.
Olympiacos Dictates the Early Pace
Olympiacos, led by their star forward Sasha Vezenkov, started strong. They showed why they finished first in the regular season standings. The Greek side immediately attacked the paint with aggression. Their excellent ball movement created open shots early on. Isaiah Canaan kicked off the scoring with a smooth three-pointer. Canaan quickly followed up with a second basket from beyond the arc. The Piraeus team continued to attack Real Madrid’s defense.
Real Madrid struggled to match the Greeks’ intensity. They fell behind by a significant margin quickly. Kostas Papanikolaou extended the lead to double digits. Vezenkov pushed the lead to its largest point at 24-12. Olympiacos finished the first quarter leading 24-17. Coach Chus Mateo’s team needed a major change in momentum. The atmosphere in Zalgirio Arena was electric and tense.
Real Madrid Battles Back in the Second Quarter
Real Madrid’s deep roster began to pay dividends in the second quarter. The Spanish side launched a crucial 9-0 run. This run quickly narrowed the deficit to just two points. Walter “Edy” Tavares stepped up to anchor the defense. The towering center helped control the rebounding battle. Sergio Rodriguez provided an immediate spark off the bench. Rodriguez hit a key three-pointer to give Madrid a temporary lead.
The second quarter turned into a fast-paced shootout. Both teams traded baskets with high efficiency. Shaquielle McKissic provided an offensive lift for the Greeks. His perimeter shooting helped keep the Spanish side at bay. The intensity of the Real Madrid Olympiacos EuroLeague Final was palpable. By halftime, the score was perfectly tied at 45-45. The stage was set for an epic second half conclusion.
Vezenkov’s Brilliance Defines the Third Quarter
The third quarter saw Olympiacos recapture their early rhythm. Isaiah Canaan again displayed superb offensive skills. The American guard scored rapidly coming out of the break. The ball movement from the Greek team was nearly flawless. However, the period belonged mostly to Sasha Vezenkov. The EuroLeague MVP delivered a masterful performance.
Vezenkov finished with a championship game-record 29 points. He single-handedly kept Olympiacos ahead throughout the quarter. His energy on both ends of the floor was immense. Vezenkov scored from both outside and inside the arc. The Piraeus side led by four points heading into the final period. The score stood at 63-59 after three thrilling quarters. The tension mounted with only ten minutes remaining.
The Clutch Factor: A Final Quarter of Legends
The final quarter began with Vezenkov scoring five quick points. He hit a remarkable three-pointer from the corner. This basket extended the Olympiacos lead to 74-67. The Greek club appeared to be pulling away from their rivals. A technical foul on the Real Madrid bench helped Olympiacos further. Two successful free throws extended their advantage to 76-70. The clock was ticking quickly against Los Blancos.
The Spanish team refused to surrender their championship dream. Their veteran “old guard” was instrumental in the comeback. Real Madrid’s experience in finals became critically important. Olympiacos, however, stopped scoring in the final two minutes. The Greek side suffered a late-game offensive drought. This lapse proved to be incredibly costly in the end.
The Defining Moments: The Sergios Strike
The atmosphere was unbearable in the final minutes. Olympiacos held a six-point lead with minutes remaining. Real Madrid’s comeback was orchestrated by Sergio Rodriguez. Rodriguez nailed a clutch three-pointer to cut the deficit to three. He followed that with an assist to Mario Hezonja. This play brought Real Madrid within one point of the Greeks.
Then, the true defining moment arrived late in the contest. The score stood at 78-77 with only seconds remaining. Sergio Llull, the team captain, had yet to score all night. He received the ball and faced Moustapha Fall one-on-one. Llull drove toward the right elbow area of the court. He launched a high-arching rainbow jumper over Fall. The shot dropped cleanly through the net with 3.1 seconds left. Real Madrid suddenly led the final 79-78.
The Final Possession and Heartbreak
Olympiacos called a timeout immediately after the basket. They had one final possession to win the championship. Kostas Sloukas was tasked with taking the final shot. He received the inbound pass under intense defensive pressure. Sloukas rushed a three-point attempt as the buzzer sounded. The ball agonizingly missed the intended target. The shot rimmed out, ending the dramatic final.
Real Madrid poured onto the court in celebration. They had completed a miraculous late-game comeback victory. The win secured their 11th continental title in basketball. The Real Madrid Olympiacos EuroLeague Final ended in Greek heartbreak.
Individual Brilliance and Legacy
Walter Tavares was named the Final Four MVP. He delivered dominant performances in both games. Tavares finished the final with 13 points and 10 rebounds. His defensive presence was key to the late comeback. Sergio Rodriguez’s 15 points and 9 assists were vital. His veteran leadership propelled the late charge. Mario Hezonja added a crucial 12 points for the winners.
On the losing side, Vezenkov was absolutely heroic in defeat. His 29 points tied a championship game scoring record. Isaiah Canaan also contributed a massive 21 points. However, their efforts were ultimately insufficient. This result left Olympiacos stunned and deeply disappointed. They came tantalizingly close to lifting the trophy. The loss was described as a self-inflicted defeat by some analysts.
Conclusion: A Legacy Defined in Seconds
The 2023 Real Madrid Olympiacos EuroLeague Final will be remembered forever. It was a spectacular display of high-level European basketball. The game showcased the difference experience can make. Real Madrid’s ability to win in the clutch was historic. Sergio Llull’s game-winning jumper became an instant classic moment. His shot secured another chapter in the club’s incredible history. For Olympiacos, the feeling of “what if” will linger. They were arguably the best team throughout the season. They failed to score in the final two crucial minutes. This final demonstrated the unforgiving nature of championship basketball. The memory of Llull’s buzzer-beating shot remains powerful.
The victory solidified Real Madrid’s status as EuroLeague royalty. It was a title won through sheer will and veteran clutch play.
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
