Virtus Bologna opened the 2025-26 EuroLeague season with a 74-68 home victory against Real Madrid at the Paladozza. Carsen Edwards led the hosts with 14 points, while Saliou Niang added 12 in his EuroLeague debut and Luca Vildoza contributed 11.
Mario Hezonja paced the visitors with 14 points, and Gabriel Deck scored 12 as Real Madrid’s five-game winning streak over Virtus came to an end. The first quarter saw Edwards hit a three-pointer to start the scoring, but Hezonja and Deck helped Los Blancos maintain a 14–19 lead. Niang’s tip-in closed the gap to 14–19 by the end of the period.
Virtus took control early in the second quarter, with Vildoza and Niang pushing the team ahead 27–25. Hezonja and Luwawu-Cabarrot kept Real close, but Brandon Taylor and Smailagic capped a 7-0 run that allowed Virtus to hold a 38–35 halftime advantage.
After the break, Niang threw down a dunk, while Edwards delivered a four-point play to stretch Virtus’ lead. Smailagic’s three-pointer extended the margin to 43–37, though Deck and Campazzo kept the visitors within striking distance. Virtus held a 55–50 lead going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter featured clutch scoring from Niang and Edwards, including a pivotal three-pointer by Vildoza to push the lead to 60–52. Niang’s emphatic dunk over Deck energized the crowd, while Morgan’s late free throws sealed the win at 74–68.
