Alberto Abalde reflects on Real Madrid’s close Game 2 loss to Olympiacos, highlighting missed chances, praising the Greek side’s consistency, and addressing controversial officiating with restraint.
For the second time in 48 hours, Real Madrid found themselves outgunned and outlasted in Piraeus, falling 77-71 to Olympiacos Piraeus in Game 2 of the EuroLeague playoffs.
The 2024 finalists now trail 0–2 in the best-of-five series, their backs firmly pressed against the wall as the series shifts to the WiZink Center next week.
This wasn’t just another tough night in the Peace and Friendship Stadium — it was another missed opportunity. Real led 25–15 after the first quarter, weathered Olympiacos’ second-quarter rally, and entered the fourth period with a narrow edge. But once again, they couldn’t hold on.
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
23
|
| Nikola Milutinov | |
| Points | 10 |
| Accuracy | 3-4 |
| Rebounds | 6 |
| Assists | 3 |
Alberto Abalde, who has carved out a role as a defensive specialist and glue guy for Chus Mateo’s squad, didn’t sugarcoat the frustration:
“We had the game there. Honestly, we felt like it was ours,” Abalde said postgame.
“We weren’t able to take a lead into halftime, and I think that was a big mistake. We let them come back. But then we started the third quarter well again. The game was where we wanted it. We just needed to keep pushing and keep control — and that’s where things got away from us.”
Through two games in Piraeus, Olympiacos has shot 48 free throws to Madrid’s 32.
In the first half of Game 2, Real Madrid was called for 15 fouls and a technical, while Olympiacos had just eight. Free throw attempts? 16–4 in favor of the Reds.
The pattern mirrored Game 1, where a technical foul on Facundo Campazzo and five quick whistles put Real on the defensive just minutes into the contest.
Asked directly by BasketNews about the officiating, Abalde treaded carefully:
“I’d rather not say anything. They’d fine me. I have my opinion — probably the same as yours — but I prefer to stay quiet.”
This season, Real Madrid have lost four straight games to Olympiacos — twice in the regular season and twice in this playoff series. The Greek club, coached by Giorgos Bartzokas and armed with continuity, size, and relentless defensive discipline, has become the one opponent the 2023 champs haven’t figured out.
Abalde was full of praise when asked what makes Olympiacos so hard to beat:
“They’re a great team. They finished first in the regular season, and not just this year. They’ve built a winning culture over several years with the same coach and many of the same players.
They control every aspect of the game, and they’re very tough to score on. Big men inside, shooters outside — they’re incredibly complete and hard to break down.”
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Real had their chances, though. After a slow Game 1, they came out in Game 2 with energy and intent. But the same story played out: promising stretches undone by scoring droughts, momentum lost, leads squandered.
“It hurts, because we had it close,” Abalde admitted. “We came in with a lot of hunger, we were very focused. And that’s why it stings even more.”
Despite the 0–2 hole, the message from Abalde is clear: Madrid are not done yet.
“This team has been through a lot. We never give up. As long as we’re alive, we’ll keep fighting,” he said. “That’s why the game on Tuesday is so important. We need to win it to stay alive and keep believing.”
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Madrid return home now — not just wounded, but wary. Their ACB schedule doesn’t help: a brutal domestic clash against Girona awaits before they can even start preparing for Game 3.
It’s not ideal, but as Abalde hinted with a wry smile, there’s not much to do about it.
“We have a tough ACB game in between. I don’t even know what to say about the schedule — I’d rather not. But it’s going to be tough. Then we have to get ready for Tuesday and fight with everything we’ve got.”
Now, Real Madrid need every ounce of that composure, if they want to claw back into this series.
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