Valencia Basket and Barça ready for the Liga Endesa final

Valencia Basket and Barça appeared before the media in a press conference held on the iconic balcony of Valencia City Hall. The meeting brought together Pedro Martínez, the coach of the taronja team, and Xavi Pascual, the Azulgrana coach, accompanied by Jaime Pradilla and Tornike Shengelia representing their respective squads. The event marked the official kickoff to a great final that will determine the champion of the Liga Endesa.

Martínez trusts the work done

Pedro Martínez opened the interventions emphasizing satisfaction in achieving the season's top goal. The Valencia coach acknowledged that while victory is not guaranteed, the work done throughout the year has been solid and puts them in a competitive position. He also highlighted the importance of the brand-new world-class pavilion inaugurated by the club, which has attracted a significant flow of fans to basketball and has allowed for successful results. Martínez stressed that the team has players whose style of play captivates fans, a key factor in their achieved success.

When asked about the expected duration of the series, Martínez anticipated that a long and close final would be normal. Regarding home-court advantage, he played down the significance of playing the first match at home, arguing that both teams have shown the ability to win on their own and opponents' courts. He recalled instances of victories in challenging territories during the quarterfinals and, while acknowledging that home court provides added energy, he insisted that the key lies in playing well regardless of the location.

Pascual assesses Barça's adaptation

Xavi Pascual expressed that Barça approaches the final with enthusiasm, although he acknowledged the need for some adaptation along the way. The Azulgrana coach expressed satisfaction at being in a position to compete for the title and praised the work done by Valencia Basket throughout the season. Pascual emphasized that his team is here to be competitive and fight in each remaining game.

The Barça coach gave very positive feedback on the basketball displayed by Valencia Basket, stating unequivocally that it has been the best in Europe during the season. Pascual noted that Barça's style differs from that of the rival, suggesting an engaging series for the fans. Regarding home court, he agreed with Martínez that its importance is relative. The Azulgrana coach highlighted the team's experienced players who have competed in tough arenas, believing that the location will not be decisive for the final outcome.

Players convey enthusiasm and respect

Jaime Pradilla, representing Valencia Basket, conveyed the excitement gripping the taronja team on the eve of the final's start. The player emphasized that it has been an exciting year for the whole city and recognized the challenge the first two games of the series will pose. Pradilla trusted in the support of the home fans and valued the work done during the season, especially the impact of the Final Four match on the team's unity.

Tornike Shengelia, who came up through Valencia Basket's ranks and now defends Barça's colors, expressed his joy at being in the final. The Georgian player acknowledged growing both as a player and a person in Valencia, making it hard to imagine experiencing such a moment. Shengelia showed respect for the opponent, describing them as crucial and serious aspects that Barça will consider throughout the series.

A closely contested final ahead

Statements from coaches and players point to a closely fought series where both teams aim to clinch the title. Valencia Basket enters as the host in the initial games, a relative advantage according to the contributors, while Barça relies on its experience and the capability of its roster to perform under any circumstances.

The official presentation confirmed that the 2026 Playoff Final will commence on Thursday, June 18, with all the assurances of being a top-level series. Both teams have showcased their quality throughout the season, and the final promises intense basketball. Fans of the Liga Endesa have the opportunity to enjoy the best Spanish basketball in the campaign's final stretch.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Valencia Basket y Barça, listos para la final de Liga Endesa