Real Madrid-Valencia Basket: Madrid looking to continue WiZink Center unbeaten run in EuroLeague
After emerging victorious from in Munich on Tuesday, the competition leaders will be aiming to round off the European double-header with another win (8.45pm CET).
Real Madrid return to the WiZink Center for another round of EuroLeague action, for their second game in 48 hours, after emerging victorious from Bayern Munich’s court on Tuesday. Chus Mateo’s troops, who top the standings with a commanding lead over the second-placed team, face Valencia Basket with the aim of preserving their unbeaten home record, where they have amassed nine victories in the competition.
Round 21 of the European competition sees two Spanish sides go head-to-head. The Whites return to the WiZink Center after their recent record-breaking match on the Twelfth night of Christmas against Anadolu Efes. Madrid go into the clash on the back of two straight wins in this competition and will be looking to equal their third-best start at home, namely 10 victories in the 2019/20 season. The record is 15 in 2013/14. The Whites host a Valencia Basket team that are in playoff places and will be gunning for a win having lost three of their last four outings. On the road they have won at Olympiacos, Asvel and Zalgiris.
Acid test for Madrid's attack
The madridistas boast the best attack in the competition, averaging 89.3 points per game. This is largely due to the outstanding form of several players like Musa, who has averaged 22 points in the last four games; Hezonja, who has racked up eight straight games in double-digit scoring; and Poirier, who has done the same in six out of eight games. In addition, Llull, who became the player with the most club appearances in the club’s history, is also in sensational form. Valencia Basket, who possess the second-best defence with an average of 76 points conceded per game, will stand in Madrid's way. In attack, they boast a strong offensive line-up. Jones and Harper are the standouts on the outside, and the trio of Davies, Inglis and Ojeleye in the paint. They have also brought in Pangos and Anderson.
Two out of two this season
The Whites have faced the Valencians twice this season and have been victorious on both occasions. The last was at the end of 2023, winning 83-74 at the WiZink Center. On that day, Tavares recorded a double-double (13 points and 10 rebounds). Previously, Madrid won 73-76 at La Fonteta in round 8 of the EuroLeague. Today, the madridistas will be vying to pick up their 19th victory in the competition.