Imagine a basketball game where a player returning from injury becomes the catalyst for a thrilling comeback, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. That’s exactly what happened when Marko Guduric single-handedly reignited EA7 Emporio Armani Milan’s momentum, leading them to an 89–82 victory over Real Madrid in a nail-biting EuroLeague clash. This marked Milan’s triumphant return to Allianz Cloud after a four-year hiatus, and Guduric’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. In just under 20 minutes, he poured in 22 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out three assists, proving that sometimes all it takes is one player to shift the tide of an entire game.
But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Milan’s head coach, Peppe Poeta, now boasts a perfect 3–0 record in EuroLeague games with Guduric in the lineup since taking the full-time reins. This win not only extended Poeta’s streak but also improved Milan’s season record to 9-7, positioning them as a force to be reckoned with. And this is the part most people miss—Guduric wasn’t alone in his heroics. Shavon Shields quietly chipped in 10 points and matched Guduric’s three assists, showcasing Milan’s ability to thrive as a cohesive unit.
Real Madrid, however, refused to go down without a fight. Facundo Campazzo’s 25-point outburst kept the game tight through three quarters, with Trey Lyles and Mario Hezonja adding 14 and 11 points, respectively. Controversially, Milan found themselves down 73-60 late in the third quarter, a deficit that could have easily demoralized a less resilient team. But Milan responded with a balanced attack, highlighted by Guduric’s clutch baskets, to reclaim the lead in a display of sheer determination.
Lorenzo Brown, in just his fourth appearance of the season, provided a spark off the bench with eight points, two assists, and a steal in 12 minutes, underscoring Milan’s depth. The team’s shooting was equally impressive, with a 51.9% three-point accuracy and 86.4% free-throw success rate, coupled with 29 assists that highlighted their seamless ball movement. Defensively, they limited turnovers to just 11 while keeping Real Madrid under constant pressure in the fourth quarter.
This win sets the stage for another high-stakes home game for Milan, as they face Fenerbahce on Thursday in the EuroLeague double-round week. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will look to rebound against Paris Basketball in Madrid on the same day. But here’s the burning question: Can Milan sustain this momentum without relying too heavily on Guduric’s heroics? Or is their success a testament to a deeper, more balanced roster than we’ve given them credit for? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions!
