Forget the football: Real Madrid just lost by eight and nobody's panicking
A 110-102 pre-season defeat to Río Breogán, and a coach pointing at the calendar rather than the scoreboard.
Real Madrid’s basketball side lost 110-102 to Río Breogán in a pre-season fixture, a result the club’s coach was quick to place in context.
“It’s a preparation game, and we’ve spent little time together,” said Pedro Martínez.
Why it barely counts
He is right, and the caveat is real rather than defensive. Pre-season basketball is played by squads that have not finished assembling, with rotations designed to distribute minutes rather than win. Conceding 110 in that setting is information about conditioning, not about the season.
The new arrival
Real Madrid have announced the signing of Damian Jones, whose stated ambition on arrival was straightforward. “My priority is to help the team win,” he said.
The season proper will decide whether a squad that has spent little time together has spent it well.
Result, quotes and signing announcement via Real Madrid CF.
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