Real Madrid outlasts UCAM Murcia CB in a 131-123 Liga Endesa thriller

In one of the highest-scoring games of the 2025-26 Liga Endesa season, Real Madrid defeated UCAM Murcia CB 131-123 on May 3, 2026, at the WiZink Center in Madrid. The match, a showcase of offensive firepower from start to finish, saw both teams combine for 254 points, a total rarely seen in Spanish basketball’s top flight. Real Madrid’s relentless pace and depth proved decisive in a contest that remained tight until the final quarter.

Match overview

From the opening tip, neither side showed any intention of slowing down. Real Madrid jumped out to a high-energy start, but UCAM Murcia answered with precision shooting and quick ball movement, keeping the scoreline neck-and-neck through the first half. By halftime, the scoreboard read 68-64 in favor of the home side, setting the stage for a second half that would see over 120 more points scored.

The third quarter belonged to Madrid’s offensive arsenal, as they outscored Murcia 34-28 to build a ten-point cushion. But Murcia, led by resilient perimeter play and timely three-pointers, refused to fade. Heading into the fourth, Real Madrid led 102-92, but the visitors cut the deficit to as few as four points with just over four minutes remaining. Madrid’s superior depth and experience in clutch moments eventually sealed the win.

Key moments

• Early barrage: Real Madrid scored 40 points in the first quarter, setting a tone that forced Murcia to match possession-for-possession. The home team’s transition offense was especially lethal, generating easy looks in the paint.
• Murcia’s rally: Down 102-92 entering the fourth, UCAM Murcia opened the final period on a 10-4 run, powered by aggressive drives to the rim and offensive rebounds. A corner three brought the visitors within 106-102, threatening an upset.
• Clutch defense and free throws: Real Madrid responded with a 9-2 spurt, anchored by a crucial steal that led to a fast-break dunk. Down the stretch, Madrid converted 12 of 14 free throws in the last three minutes to extinguish any comeback hopes.

Tactical story

Real Madrid’s game plan revolved around pace and spacing. They consistently pushed the ball after rebounds, often beating Murcia’s set defense for layups or open kick-out threes. Their ball movement generated 30 assists, a season high for a single game. Defensively, Madrid focused on limiting Murcia’s pick-and-roll efficiency by hedging hard and forcing tough mid-range jumpers, though Murcia’s shooters still managed a respectable 48% from the field.

UCAM Murcia relied heavily on perimeter scoring and offensive rebounds to stay competitive. They grabbed 15 offensive boards, turning them into 18 second-chance points. However, their inability to stop Madrid in transition—where the hosts scored 34 points—proved their undoing. Turnovers also hurt, as Murcia gave the ball away 16 times, leading to 22 Madrid points.

Standout players

• Real Madrid – Walter Tavares: The towering center dominated inside, finishing with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks. His presence altered countless shots and gave Madrid a reliable outlet on offense.
• Real Madrid – Dzanan Musa: The versatile forward scored 28 points on efficient 11-of-17 shooting, including four three-pointers. His ability to score from all three levels was a constant mismatch.
• UCAM Murcia – Dylan Ennis: The veteran guard poured in 31 points and dished out 7 assists, keeping his team in the game with timely shots in the fourth quarter. He shot 12-of-21 from the field.
• UCAM Murcia – Simon Birgander: The Swedish big man added a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, including five offensive boards, giving Murcia valuable second chances.

Table and season impact

The win improved Real Madrid’s record to 24-4 on the season, strengthening their hold on second place in the Liga Endesa standings, just one game behind league leaders FC Barcelona. For UCAM Murcia, the loss dropped them to 16-12, leaving them tied for sixth place in a tight playoff race. The high-scoring nature of the contest also reminded fans and pundits alike that Real Madrid’s offensive ceiling may be the highest in the league—even if their defense occasionally allows big numbers from opponents.

With the regular season entering its final stretch, Madrid will look to maintain their momentum ahead of the Copa del Rey and the ACB playoffs. Murcia, meanwhile, will need to tighten their defensive rotations if they hope to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.