No better way to end the year than with a win in a Clásico (83-63). The Barça victory was never in doubt after an excellent opening period for the hosts at the Palau. Mirotic top scored for Barça with 20 points, and the victory brings the blaugranes level with Los Blancos at the top of the Endesa League table.

Brilliant start

Barça took advantage of the atmosphere at the Palau and were 8-0 up after four minutes. Pablo Laso's Real Madrid team were erratic, and only managed to score five points, all from Randolph, in the first quarter: 22-5.

By contrast, each and every player used by Pesic, including the returning Claver, got involved in some way, notably Delaney with his three pointers, and Hanga, with an intense defence. Madrid did manage to cut the deficit (43-36), however, at no time was the result dangerous for the hosts. After exchanging baskets, Barça's superiority returned and they went into the final quarter ahead by a score of 62-45.

Victory secured

Barça didn't relax, with Kuric, Mirotic and Oriola easing the hosts to victory. The blaugranes next game is on Thursday, January 2 against Baskonia in the Euroleague.

MATCH DETAILS

Barça, 83

Reial Madrid, 63

Barça: Davies (5), Claver (-), Mirotic (20), Higgins (7) and Hanga (10) -starters- Tomic (8), Oriola (7), Kuric (10), Abrines (2) and Delaney (14)

Real Madrid: Randolph (7), Campazzo (4), Deck (2), Tavares (8) and Taylor (4) -starters- Causer (4), Rudy Fernández (3), Laprovittola (4), Garuba (5), Carroll (9) and Thompkins (13)

Periods: 22-5; 17-22 // 23-18; 21-18

Officials: Daniel Hierrezuelo, Juan de Oyón and Rafael Serrano