Euroleague: Real Madrid eliminates Valencia and will play the final against Olympiacos

Real Madrid achieved a true feat at OAKA and qualified for the Euroleague final after defeating Valencia Basket 90-105 in a thrilling, offensive semifinal marked by the white team's resilience against adversity. Sergio Scariolo's team survived without Tavares and Len, also losing Garuba to injury in the second half, yet still found more than enough resources to bring down a Valencia side that never ceased to compete. Their opponent in the grand final will be Olympiacos.

The Madrid squad came out determined from the opening tip-off. Hezonja took on a leading role from the early attacks, and Madrid punished Valencia from beyond the arc as the latter was too lax in defense. Abalde, Hezonja himself, and later Lyles made a difference from the perimeter to establish the first visiting advantages. Pedro Martínez tried to slow the pace with an early timeout, but Madrid found easy shots and maintained control.

Valencia responded with Taylor's energy, Sako's inside work, and Pradilla's intensity, contributing both near the basket and from the corner. The taronja squad managed to balance the game and closed the first quarter in front (28-26), capitalizing on their high shooting percentage inside the arc and some defensive lapses by Madrid.

However, the second quarter altered the course of the match. Madrid unleashed an offensive storm led by Feliz, Campazzo, and Hezonja. The Dominican player hit two consecutive threes that hurt Valencia, and the white team also began to control the offensive rebounds. Garuba was effective on both ends of the court, while Campazzo orchestrated with mastery, consistently finding advantages for his teammates.

Valencia's defense couldn't contain the back-and-forth scoring. Montero held his ground with individual talent and speed, but Madrid was unstoppable from the perimeter. The whites reached 62 points at halftime, a historic record for the first half of a Euroleague Final Four, closing the initial 20 minutes with a remarkable 11 of 19 from three-point range and a 56-62 lead.

After the break, the script remained largely the same. Madrid continued punishing from outside and dominating the offensive boards. Hezonja remained an unsolvable problem for Valencia's defense, while Maledon contributed crucial points through penetration and free throws. Feliz, exceptional throughout the night, brought pace, rebounds, and leadership in decisive moments.

Despite everything, Valencia never gave up. Pradilla stepped up, Reuvers made key dunks and threes, and Montero tried to speed up play to narrow the gap. However, every attempted rally by Valencia met an immediate response from Madrid.

The toughest moment of the game came at the start of the last quarter. Garuba fell injured during a drive and had to leave the court unable to support his leg, leaving a worrying image and tense silence in the arena. Madrid thus lost another inside player on a night already affected by the absences of Tavares and Len.

White Superiority

Far from crumbling, the white team reacted with character. Deck dominated the offensive rebounds, Feliz nailed a crucial three-pointer, and Campazzo controlled the game with intelligence despite some turnovers. Valencia grew frustrated as minutes passed, eventually paying for the immense defensive effort throughout the match.

In the closing stretch, Madrid managed the lead with authority. Deck practically sealed the game with a basket amidst three defenders, and the white team celebrated a highly meritorious 90-105 victory.

Hezonja led in scoring, Feliz likely had his best game in a white jersey, and Campazzo once again served as the team's brain. Madrid will play the Euroleague final this Sunday against Olympiacos, yet remains concerned about Garuba's physical condition and the situation of their centers.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Euroliga: El Real Madrid se carga al Valencia y jugará la final contra Olympiacos