Deserved victory for the leader in Valencia

Real Madrid recorded their 18th consecutive win of the season at Valencia Basket, the seventh in a rthe Euroleague, in the first game of this week's double-header and remain league leaders and the only unbeaten team in the competition. Chus Mateo's team are unbeatable wherever they go. This time at La Fonteta, on a court where no team had won yet, we had to battle against an opponent who pushed us to our limits. Real Madrid thrive in such situations. And they did so thanks to a brilliant second half, staying cool in the final minute, when they decided the outcome of the game. Campazzo 15 points and 23 PIR and Deck 17 and 19 were the stars; Tavares, who was decisive in the final stretch 4 blocks with Hezonja.
 
A physically demanding game from the very first minute. Valencia Basket went for muscle in their starting five to take on the leader. The madridistas started the game focused, better in offence than in defence, displaying good shooting percentages and moving the ball around. Campazzo, Musa and Deck contributed for our team. The Argentinian forward hit seven straight of his nine points without missing, to make it 15-21 at the 7' mark. But the Taronjas carried on with their aggressive approach to the game and led by Davies 18 points won the first quarter 26-24.
 
Madrid hang in
The home team's drive, their high-scoring and Madrid's lack of precision saw Valencia Basket reach the maximum margin at 37-29 min. 14. Madrid were unable to get offensive rebounds either as their opponents were closing down the paint. Campazzo was back and the team found consistency in attack. Along with Rudy six points and tireless work on defence and Llull, we moved to within one point after a 7-0 run in our favour. Another Valencianista surge left the score at half-time at 49-43.

Madrid upped their level of intensity and defence in the third quarter and they changed the rhythm of the game. Causeur provided a boost in defence and Tavares was the key player that he is, slowing down Davies and making himself strong on the paint four blocks. The team started to run from there and between Musa and Deck scored his first 17 points without a miss, they pulled off the comeback with a 0-9 start to the second half 51-52, min. 23. Chus Mateo's team had turned around a very tough situation through belief and an iron mentality. They reduced Valencia Basket to 11 points and went on to score 20 in a very complete quarter 62-63, min. 30.
 
The leader never gives up
The tension was palpable in the final quarter, with both teams battling tirelessly. A tight end to the game, where they had to get down to work. The scoring slowed down considerably, but Madrid were able to hold Valencia Basket in check thanks to another ten minutes of great defensive play. Having Tavares on the court, the team went ahead. Bregaba provided offensive rebounds and gave our team second chances, but we were unable to convert them on the outside. That, and the departure of the Cape Verdean centre for several minutes following a heavy knock to the knee, encouraged the Taronjas with Jones playing the leading role. But Hezonja was there. His five points were vital to go into the final minute at 72-72.
 
Madrid's strength
Under the pressure coming from La Fonteta and facing an opponent who had competed right to the end, Madrid showed their character and know-how. Cold blooded, the team scored four points. Campazzo's four with a basket on Davies and two free throws, as well as defending two possessions settled with blocks from Tavares, to secure a 4-1 lead and claim an important win on a very difficult court 73-76, min. 40.

VALENCIA BASKET-REAL MADRID STATISTICS