Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid continued its impressive form at home, defeating Valencia Basket 96-79 in a EuroLeague contest on Wednesday, March 12, 2026. The victory wasn’t just about securing another win; it also allowed Real Madrid to gain the basket average advantage over Valencia from their earlier matchup. The game, played at the Movistar Arena, saw a dominant performance from the home side, particularly in the second and third quarters, ultimately stifling the challenge from a Valencia team that had been on a strong run of form.
The early stages of the game saw a back-and-forth battle, with Valencia keeping pace with the league leaders. According to reports, the score remained close until midway through the second quarter. Maledon kept Real Madrid ahead until the 12th minute, but Valencia responded with increased speed and accuracy, briefly disrupting Real Madrid’s defensive balance. A contested call – a basket for the home side that wasn’t awarded due to a perceived foul on Pradilla – seemed to energize the visitors, who then rattled off three consecutive three-pointers to take a five-point lead.
Yet, Real Madrid quickly regained control, focusing on offensive rebounding and slowing down Valencia’s transition game. Deck and Lyles answered Montero’s points, tying the game at 38 and initiating a crucial run. A historic moment occurred during this stretch as Sergio Llull hit his 700th three-pointer in EuroLeague play, sparking a 13-5 run that closed the first half with Real Madrid leading 51-43. Llull’s milestone was followed by further contributions from Hezonja and Feliz, extending the lead.
The third quarter saw Real Madrid determined to break the game open. They increased their defensive intensity, limiting Valencia’s opportunities and controlling the boards. Valencia struggled from beyond the arc, and Real Madrid capitalized. Abalde, with two three-pointers, and Okeke, contributing seven points and six rebounds, led the charge. The home side extended their lead to 67-48 by the 25th minute, building on the momentum from the conclude of the second quarter with a 29-8 run. Valencia attempted to rally, fueled by a controversial foul call and a technical foul assessed to the Real Madrid coach, but the deficit remained at 10 points (75-65) at the end of the third.
Despite Valencia’s continued efforts, Real Madrid closed out the game with a strong fourth quarter display. Tavares was particularly impactful on the defensive end, registering a game-changing block on Sako and coming close to a double-double with eight points and nine rebounds. Real Madrid’s shooting from three-point range proved decisive, connecting on 16 of 45 attempts (35.6% accuracy). Deck, Lyles, Llull, Campazzo, and Hezonja all contributed to the offensive surge, pushing the lead to 18 points. The team effectively managed the advantage, securing the win and the head-to-head tiebreaker. Notably, Real Madrid held the EuroLeague’s highest-scoring offense to 12 points below their season average.
Campazzo punctuated the victory with a spectacular behind-the-back pass to Garuba, adding a flourish to a dominant performance (96-79, minute 40). The win underscores Real Madrid’s strength at home and their position as a top contender in the EuroLeague.
Jaime Pradilla, of Valencia Basket, had the opportunity to reach 150 career games in European competitions during this match, according to Valencia Basket’s official website. The forward/center has played 109 EuroLeague games, making him the third-highest appearance maker in club history.
This victory is particularly significant for Real Madrid as they continue to navigate a competitive EuroLeague season. The team’s ability to control the game on both ends of the court, coupled with strong individual performances, highlights their championship aspirations. For Valencia Basket, the loss represents a setback in their campaign, but they will look to rebound in their upcoming fixtures.
What’s Next: Real Madrid will face Panathinaikos on March 19, 2026, at the OAKA Olympic Indoor Hall in Athens, Greece. Valencia Basket will return home to host Anadolu Efes on March 15, 2026, at the La Fonteta arena.
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