In a EuroLeague thriller that will be remembered for its clutch finish, Dubai secured a 78-77 victory over Real Madrid on September 25, 2026, at the Coca-Cola Arena. The one-point win marks a significant moment for Dubai's EuroLeague campaign and hands Real Madrid a frustrating early-season road loss.

Match Overview

The game was a back-and-forth battle from the opening tip. Dubai came out with energy, using a 10-0 run in the first quarter to take an early 22-14 lead. Real Madrid, however, responded behind the inside presence of Walter Tavares and the playmaking of Facundo Campazzo. By halftime, Dubai held a slim 40-38 advantage.

The third quarter saw Real Madrid assert themselves. A 12-2 run, capped by a Campazzo three-pointer, gave the visitors a 58-52 lead. But Dubai refused to fold. Their bench provided a spark, and a series of defensive stops allowed them to claw back into the game. The fourth quarter was a tense, possession-by-possession affair, with neither team able to pull away.

With 12 seconds left, Real Madrid led 77-76 after Tavares converted a tough hook shot. Dubai inbounded the ball and worked it to Marcus Grant, who dribbled down the clock before pulling up for a contested mid-range jumper with 3.2 seconds remaining. The ball rattled in, giving Dubai a 78-77 lead. Real Madrid's final attempt, a contested three by Campazzo, missed, and the arena erupted.

Key Moments

• First quarter: Dubai's 10-0 run, fueled by two three-pointers from Omar Al-Shehhi, set the tone.
• Third quarter: Real Madrid's 12-2 surge gave them their largest lead of the night at 58-52.
• Final minute: Tavares' go-ahead hook shot with 12 seconds left put Real Madrid up 77-76.
• Game-winner: Marcus Grant's pull-up jumper with 3.2 seconds on the clock sealed the win for Dubai.

Tactical Story

Dubai's defensive game plan focused on limiting Real Madrid's pick-and-roll efficiency. They switched aggressively on screens, forcing Campazzo to give up the ball early. On offense, Dubai relied on ball movement and dribble penetration, often kicking out to shooters. Their small-ball lineup in the fourth quarter proved crucial, as it allowed them to switch all screens and contest Real Madrid's perimeter shots.

Real Madrid dominated the rebounding battle 38-32, but they struggled with turnovers, committing 15 compared to Dubai's 9. The visitors also shot just 6-of-24 from three-point range, while Dubai connected on 10-of-26. The free-throw line was another factor: Dubai went 16-of-20, while Real Madrid was 11-of-16.

Standout Players

Dubai: Marcus Grant led all scorers with 24 points, adding 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Omar Al-Shehhi contributed 18 points and 9 rebounds, while center Alex Johnson chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds.

Real Madrid: Walter Tavares was a force inside with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Facundo Campazzo finished with 16 points and 8 assists, but he shot just 5-of-15 from the field. Dzanan Musa added 14 points off the bench.

Season Impact

The win improves Dubai's EuroLeague record to 2-1, while Real Madrid drops to 2-1 as well. In the ultra-competitive EuroLeague standings, every game matters, and this result could have playoff seeding implications down the line. For Dubai, it's a signature win that proves they can compete with the league's elite. For Real Madrid, it's a missed opportunity on the road, but with plenty of basketball left, they remain among the favorites for the Final Four.