Real Madrid ended its winless start to the 2026-27 EuroLeague season with an 86-76 victory over previously undefeated Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade on Thursday at Movistar Arena, using a decisive first-half run to secure its first win of the campaign.
Los Blancos improved to 1-3 after opening the season with three consecutive defeats, while Partizan suffered its first loss to drop to 3-1. Real Madrid built its advantage through aggressive defense, rebounding and efficient execution in transition.
The turning point came late in the first quarter, when the hosts launched a 14-0 run that continued into the second period. Damian Jones and Andres Feliz opened the surge with three-pointers before Jaime Pradilla capped it with a jump hook, forcing Partizan head coach Joan Penarroya to call a timeout with Real Madrid leading 35-19.
The hosts scored all 14 points in less than three minutes, turning an initially competitive game into a commanding advantage. Real Madrid carried that momentum into halftime, leading 53-37 after outrebounding Partizan 23-14 over the first two quarters.
Partizan attempted to change the game’s rhythm after the break, slowing Real Madrid’s transition offense and running more possessions through Carlik Jones. Alessandro Pajola converted a layup and the ensuing free throw to cut the deficit to 11 points, but Theo Maledon responded for the hosts before Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot hit a difficult three-pointer against the shot clock.
Real Madrid restored control and entered the fourth quarter ahead 71-57. The lead eventually reached 20 points at 83-63 following a jumper by Feliz, leaving Partizan with too much ground to make up despite a late push.
Maledon led Real Madrid with 13 points, while Facundo Campazzo added 12. Feliz and Nick Smith Jr. scored nine points apiece, and Pradilla contributed eight points and four rebounds. Ten Real Madrid players scored at least five points, underlining the depth of the team’s offensive contribution.
Real Madrid finished with a 43-40 rebounding advantage and made all 17 of its free throws. Partizan shot 58.1% on two-point attempts but struggled badly from long range, converting just three of 20 three-point attempts (15%).
Carlik Jones led Partizan with 19 points and five assists, but only four of his points came after halftime. Ethan Thompson added 14 points, while Tony Jekiri had 11.
Real Madrid travels to face Armani Olimpia Milan next week in search of its first road win of the season. Partizan hosts Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens, with the game marking Zeljko Obradovic’s emotional return to Belgrade.
