There has not been a final so repeated in recent times, up to four Madrid-Olympiacos, Olympiacos-Madrid, for the title since 1995. The two most stable and winning teams of the last era in the Euroleague. The rematch at the WiZink Center was a unique and unpredictable night. Despite the victory, there was a lingering dissatisfaction. The Whites had to win twice, as an unexpected guest appeared when everything seemed resolved. Kostas Papanikolaou, known for his competitive spirit even during his time at Barça, had a career-best offensive performance with 23 points in the second half, nearly turning the game around. [90-85: Narration and statistics]

Numbers don’t always provide a complete understanding of what transpires on the court, but they do offer clues. In this case, they revealed the intensity and order in Madrid’s defense and the early dominance on the offensive end. Olympiacos struggled to find success from the perimeter, missing 13 of the 15 attempted three-pointers by halftime, including two crucial ones in the final play. Meanwhile, Madrid capitalized on their offensive opportunities, converting eight out of 11 attempts, which granted them a comfortable lead of 22 points (later becoming 24).

This commanding performance by Madrid showcased their rediscovered fluidity and unrivaled rhythm. Campazzo’s flawless execution was a major factor in decomposing Olympiacos’ defense led by Bartzokas. Displaying the finesse of a magician, Campazzo effortlessly made his presence known with his passing, scoring, and defensive prowess. The devastating 26-4 run orchestrated by Musa, Abalde, Hezonja, and Poirier further solidified Madrid’s dominance.

Those crucial minutes set the tone for the rest of the night, which began under peculiar circumstances with notable absences on the court. The absence of Milutinovic, Tavares, Llull, Fall, and Williams Goss due to injuries created a sense of novelty and unpredictability. However, this did not deter Jude Bellingham, who arrived at the WiZink Center ready to challenge Madrid. In the second half, Olympiacos quietly fought to make a comeback, aided by their unwavering captain Papanikolaou. Their defensive efforts limited Madrid to a meager 16 points in the third quarter, closing the gap gradually and dangerously.

With just 40 seconds left on the clock and the score at 86-83, it seemed like Olympiacos may seize the victory. Hezonja’s celebratory gesture, Musa’s skillful baskets, and Poirier’s decisive block heightened the tension. However, it was ultimately Madrid’s resilience and nerve, embodied by Campazzo, that sealed the victory. Despite conceding 55 points in the second half, it was a night of mixed emotions, highlighting both the highs and lows of the game.