Today marks 40 years since Real Madrid's basketball team got their hands on a first FIBA Saporta Cup. On 14 March 1984, our team were named champions in the Belgian city of Ostende, beating Olimpia Milan 82-81. Brian Jackson was the hero in that final with 27 points and the two decisive free throws.
Real Madrid began the competition in Group B alongside US Scavolini Victoria, Panathinaikos and Pardubice. They finished top to make the second round with 5 wins and 1 defeat. In the semi-finals, they overcame KK Cibona in a two-legged playoff. Then, in the final, they were forced to come back from 34-38 at half-time. With eight seconds left on the clock, the team led by Lolo Sainz were one point down. As they went for the win, Corbalán missed his shot but Jackson grabbed the offensive rebound and forced a personal foul. The North American then sunk both free throws to hand the title to Real Madrid and write another page into their legendary European history.
ROSTERS
82-Real Madrid: Corbalán (7), Iturriaga (10), Jackson (27), Robinson (14), Fernando Martín (12) – Rullán (12) and Romay (0).
81-Olimpia Milán: D’Antoni (12), Premier (27), Bariviera (4), Gallinari (3), Meneghin (8) – Lamperti (23), Boselli (4), De Piccoli (0) and Blasi (0).