Monaco secures its place in the Top 6 by defeating Real Madrid

AS Monaco secured a great victory against Real Madrid (100-95) this Friday, December 26, in a packed Gaston Médecin arena (including standing room), for the 18th round of EuroLeague. This 11th win allows Vassilis Spanoulis’ men to maintain their place in the Top 6 of the competition – synonymous with direct playoff qualification – by defeating a direct competitor (both teams were tied at 10-7 before tip-off).

Edy Tavares carries Real at the start of the game

The game was tight, but solid and serious, the Roca Team led the way, at the cost of an intense defense. Without Sergio Llull and Trey Lyles, the Madrid team relied on a huge performance from Walter Tavares at the start of the game to get off to a good start. At his first exit, after 8 minutes 32 seconds, the Cape Verdean giant had 15 points on 7/9 shooting and 7 rebounds (including 5 offensive) for 18 efficiency rating. But despite his impact, poor three-point shooting (1/5) and especially 6 turnovers, the home team was still ahead after one quarter (21-20).

A good sign even though Tavares’ return resulted in a Spanish comeback during the second period. However, the former NBA player picked up his second foul and a technical foul with 2 minutes 14 seconds left before halftime, causing his exit shortly after. On the other hand, Matthew Strazel made two baskets with the foul, using the backboard, on two shots after sealing his defender, namely Théo Maledon then Facundo Campazzo. Despite this, 11 points from Elie Okobo and a clear advantage in collective efficiency rating (55-38), the Roca Team only went to the locker room with a 4-point lead (47-43).

Mirotic wakes up at the right moment

Taking advantage of Tavares’ absence on the court at the restart, the principality’s players started with an 8-0 run (55-43). Not enough to kill the game though. Real Madrid even took the lead at the start of the fourth quarter, for the first time since the 11th minute (71-72). Inspired this Friday (12 points and 4 assists for 18 efficiency rating), Strazel responded with a three-pointer (74-72) before Nikola Mirotic took over. The former Real Madrid youth academy member, held to 0 points until then, followed up with two three-pointers (81-75). A good streak that he confirmed immediately after with a pass to Kevarrius Hayes, another key player in the second half for his rebounding dominance (7 rebounds in 19 minutes) and his defense on Tavares, before making a shot over a particularly timid Théo Maledon this Friday. Although Facundo Campazzo (28 points on 6/7 from three-point range, 10 assists and 5 rebounds for 41 efficiency rating) put on a show to bring his team back in the last two minutes (from -14 to -4), Monaco validated this 11th win of the EuroLeague season.

After an All-Star Game break for several players, AS Monaco will try to confirm its recent momentum next Tuesday in Barcelona. A team in form that they had eliminated after five very tight games in the quarterfinals of the 2025 playoffs…

In Monaco,