Great comeback is not rewarded: Alba Berlin is dramatically eliminated from the Champions League

After an even first half, the Spaniards had clearly pulled away in front of 7,109 spectators in the Max Schmeling Hall, but Alba managed a fantastic comeback. However, Málaga had the better nerves in extra time.

The best throwers on the Berlin side were Jack Kayil (25 points), J’Wan Robert (13) and Norris Agbakoko (10). At Málaga, Nihad Djedovic (17), Emir Sulejmanovic (15) and Chris Duarte (13) were the most successful.

Alba’s coach Pedro Calles was able to rely on the entire squad in the most important international game for years. Martin Hermannsson had complained about adductor problems during the defeat against Oldenburg on Sunday, but was on the floor from the start.

The Berliners started off very attentively. Málaga scored the third-most points per game in the competition so far, but like a week ago, Alba failed to let the Spaniards’ offense get into rhythm. After six minutes, the guests only had three points and had to do without their best center almost throughout. Aleksander Balcerowski, who had caused Alba enormous problems in the first game, ran into acute foul problems early on.

Alba didn’t shine in the attack either, but she managed to gain a small lead. Malte Delow and Roberts were particularly good in this phase. In the final phase of the first quarter, Málaga, led by former Alba professional Djedovic, slowly found their way into the encounter.

Alba already seemed defeated

It was now a close duel in which the Berliners were usually narrowly in the lead. Alba went into the break with 36:34, but the Spaniards came out of the locker room better. They repeatedly found gaps in the opposing defense and used them to score easy points under the basket. The game turned and Alba couldn’t find a way to stop it. By the middle of the third quarter, the narrow lead had turned into a nine-point deficit.

It became very quiet for a moment in the Max Schmeling Hall, but then the fans braced themselves against the impending end. The team did the same and managed a comeback that was no longer thought possible. After trailing by 16 points at one point, Kayil Alba made a save from the free throw line with 1.8 seconds left in overtime. Still, it wasn’t enough for victory.