Vidorreta exalts Tenerife's historic triumph over Real Madrid

La Laguna Tenerife achieved a memorable feat by eliminating Real Madrid in the quarterfinals of the Liga Endesa. The victory in the decisive match of the series triggered unprecedented euphoria within the aurinegro team, with Txus Vidorreta publicly acknowledging the magnitude of the achievement by his players. The Tenerife coach did not hesitate to describe this victory as one of the biggest milestones in the club's history.

The team's ability to react proved crucial after the setback of a loss in the second game of the series. Vidorreta emphasized that his players entered the decisive game fully convinced of their ability to compete at the highest level against the reigning champion, showcasing a winning mentality that was reflected in the final result.

Recovery after adversity

The Canarian coach delved into the analysis of the series in his post-game statements. He explained how the team effectively bounced back from the previous Thursday's defeat, displaying a resilience that was crucial. Vidorreta underscored that his players believed in the message coming from the bench and executed high-level basketball throughout most of the series.

According to the coach, out of the total eighty minutes played in the series, approximately sixty were played fantastically by his team. This evaluation reflected the consistency shown throughout the games, beyond the adverse result in one of the matches. The element of surprise they brought to the deciding game materialized in a performance that Vidorreta didn't hesitate to label as "a great game," where one hundred out of the total one hundred twenty minutes of the series reached an exceptional level.

Tactical solutions and control of the game

Vidorreta particularly valued the tactical ability his players demonstrated to counteract Madrid's defense. The team managed to find effective solutions against the opponent's changing defensive system, allowing them to reach halftime with a decisive advantage. This tactical superiority remained throughout the game, with the Tenerife players showing constant enthusiasm despite the challenging moments that arose during the match.

The coach acknowledged that Real Madrid had opportunities to score easy baskets, something that had been a flaw in the previous games of the series. However, La Laguna Tenerife maintained concentration in the most delicate moments, executing a "high-quality basketball" when required. Vidorreta emphasized that the team won "with authority," displaying a dominance that transcended mere numerical results.

Historical magnitude and mutual respect

Beyond the semifinal qualification, Vidorreta emphasized the historical significance of Tenerife's achievement. The coach highlighted that his team had managed to "change history for the second time in eighteen years," emphasizing the rarity of such milestones in any club's trajectory. The acknowledgment received from Real Madrid and its members added extra value to the victory, with all Madrid players and coaches congratulating the Canarian team.

Vidorreta reflected on the meaning of this mutual recognition, stating that despite the tough moment Real Madrid was experiencing after their elimination, its members continued to show the characteristic greatness of the institution. The Tenerife coach expressed his admiration for the Madrid players, describing them as "world-class players" and emphasizing that the defeat did not diminish their competitive status in any way.

Caution ahead of the semifinals and analysis of the next opponent

Despite the excitement generated by the qualification, Vidorreta took a cautious stance regarding the team's aspirations in the subsequent rounds. The Tenerife coach explicitly stated that they did not believe they had real chances of conquering the Liga Endesa title, deliberately lowering any expectations in that regard. This caution stemmed from a lesson learned in previous knockout stages when the team put pressure on itself after thinking it had a clear opportunity to reach the semifinals, resulting in a performance below their level.

Vidorreta recalled the challenge that Tenerife will face in the next phase, where they will face the winner between UCAM Murcia and Barcelona. The coach expressed deep respect for both potential rivals, highlighting Murcia's twenty-five victories in the competition. Regarding Barcelona, Vidorreta did not add further comments, implicitly conveying the magnitude of the challenge posed by the Blaugrana team.

The coach noted that his team will play the next series at a disadvantage in home-court advantage, also coming in with tired legs after the effort against Real Madrid. Despite these adverse circumstances, Vidorreta expressed confidence in the level of basketball Tenerife is showcasing, pledging to approach the upcoming series "game by game" and prepare as best as possible for each match.

Individual standouts and collective performance evaluation

Kevin Yebo emerged as one of the standout performers of the night, with his performance being particularly praised by Vidorreta. The coach described the player's game as "an extraordinary display," showcasing the decisive impact he had on the final result. Vidorreta also commended Nico Richotti for his role in identifying Yebo's talent and incorporating him into the project.

The Tenerife coach emphasized the collective nature of the triumph, stating that "we have been a great team" and that all squad members had significantly contributed to the success. The assessment that the team "played as eleven" highlights the importance of squad depth and the commitment of all members towards achieving the common goal.

When asked whether this elimination of Real Madrid represented the most important moment in Tenerife's history, Vidorreta offered a nuanced perspective. He acknowledged the extraordinary magnitude of the feat but maintained his appreciation for the continental successes achieved by the club in European competitions. The coach reflected that although the team had reached semifinals before, they had never done so by eliminating Real Madrid, adding a unique dimension to this accomplishment.

Vidorreta considered that this triumph in the Liga Endesa is "certainly" among the greatest achievements by the club in domestic competition, comparable only to the previous Copa del Rey final. However, the coach continued to give special importance to titles won in the Basketball Champions League, suggesting that the European successes held a particular relevance in his institutional legacy evaluation. The question of whether this will be the club's best year in the ACB remained open, pending the outcome of the semifinals and the real possibilities of advancing towards the competition final.

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