SALOU, Spain – The Comunidad Valenciana secured their second Mini Masculino title on April 1, 2026, defeating Catalonia 72-64 in a captivating final held at the Planeta Mini tournament in Salou. This victory marks a continued period of dominance for the Valencian team, who have now appeared in the last four championship games against the same opponent.
The tournament, which brought together selections from Spain’s autonomous communities at the alevín (under-12) masculine and feminine levels, saw Madrid take home the trophy in the women’s competition. Although, the men’s final was a particularly compelling contest, with the Comunidad Valenciana ultimately prevailing after a hard-fought battle.
This win solidifies the Comunidad Valenciana’s position as a powerhouse in Spanish youth basketball. They previously won the title in the province of Tarragona, and their consistent presence in the final demonstrates a strong developmental program. The rivalry with Catalonia has become a defining feature of the Mini Masculino competition in recent years, showcasing two distinct styles of play that consistently deliver high-level competition.
Valencian Dominance and Catalan Resilience
The final against Catalonia saw the Comunidad Valenciana establish an early lead, fueled by speed and defensive intensity. They built a 13-point advantage in the first period, but Catalonia mounted a strong comeback, particularly in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 36-41 at halftime. Pol Ramírez of Catalonia and Mateo Salvatore of the Comunidad Valenciana emerged as key players for their respective teams, leading the charge on both ends of the court.
Catalonia continued to pressure the Valencian defense in the second half, but the Comunidad Valenciana demonstrated resilience, maintaining a narrow lead. In the final period, with their strongest lineups on the floor, Carlos Plaza’s team secured the victory, capping off a remarkable tournament run. The final score of 72-64 reflects the intensity and competitiveness of the match.
Madrid Secures Bronze
The battle for the bronze medal saw Madrid bounce back from a previous defeat to overcome Andalucía with a score of 82-71. Madrid’s recovery showcased their determination and ability to perform under pressure, earning them a well-deserved spot on the podium.
Final Standings
The final standings of the Planeta Mini tournament are as follows:
- 1. Comunidad Valenciana
- 2. Catalonia
- 3. Madrid
- 4. Andalucía
- 5. Galicia
- 6. Canaria
- 7. I Baleares
- 8. Castilla y León
- 9. Aragón
- 10. País Vasco
- 11. R. Murcia
- 12. Cantabria
- 13. Castilla la Mancha
- 14. Navarra
- 15. Extremadura
- 16. P. Asturias
- 17. La Rioja
- 18. Melilla
- 19. Ceuta
The Comunidad Valenciana’s victory is a testament to their dedication and talent, and their continued success in the Mini Masculino competition is a source of pride for the region. The tournament as a whole highlighted the growing strength of youth basketball in Spain, with competitive matches and standout performances from teams across the country.
For the Comunidad Valenciana, the focus now shifts to building on this success and continuing to develop the next generation of Spanish basketball stars. The team’s performance at the Planeta Mini tournament serves as a strong foundation for future achievements.
The next step for these young athletes will be to continue their development within their regional programs, with opportunities to compete at higher levels as they progress through the ranks. The Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) will undoubtedly be closely monitoring their progress, as they represent the future of the sport in Spain.
Fans can find detailed statistics from the final and bronze medal matches, as well as complete tournament results, on the FEB website: https://baloncestoenvivo.feb.es/resultados/cessaaminimas/19/2025. Further information about the tournament can as well be found in the official tournament magazine: https://www.feb.es/Documentos/Archivo/upload/REVISTAMINI2026ok.pdf.
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