Real Madrid Basketball Honored as Liga Endesa Champions at Spanish Sports Press Gala

BARCELONA — The Real Madrid basketball team received Spain’s highest sports journalism honor on Sunday, capping a dominant 2024-25 Liga Endesa campaign with a trophy from the Asociación Española de la Prensa Deportiva (AEPD). The 38th league title was celebrated at the XLV National Sports Gala, held at the Parc del Colomer pavilion in Santa Susanna, where veteran captain Rudy Fernández accepted the award on behalf of the club.

The Gala and the Glory

The AEPD’s annual gala brings together Spain’s sporting elite to recognize achievements across disciplines. This year’s ceremony placed Real Madrid’s basketball team in the spotlight for its Liga Endesa championship, secured with a 3-0 sweep over Valencia in the finals. Facundo Campazzo, the Argentine guard, was named MVP of the final series after averaging 18.3 points and 7.7 assists in the three games.

Fernández, a 41-year-old legend who has spent 12 seasons with Real Madrid, represented the team on stage. In his remarks, he framed the title as a stepping stone rather than a finish line. “The goal as a madridista is to compete for everything,” Fernández said. “Now we face a extremely important week. Hapoel is a great team, and we hope to qualify for the Final Four and then dream.” His comments underscored the team’s focus on the upcoming EuroLeague playoffs, where Real Madrid will host Hapoel Jerusalem in a best-of-five quarterfinal series starting April 30.

A Title Built on Dominance

Real Madrid’s path to the Liga Endesa crown was marked by consistency. The team finished the regular season with a 28-6 record, the best in the league, and lost only one game in the playoffs. Their 3-0 sweep of Valencia in the finals was particularly decisive, with margins of victory of 12, 15, and 9 points. Campazzo’s clutch performances in Games 2 and 3—including a 24-point, 10-assist outing in the clincher—sealed his MVP honors.

The championship adds to Real Madrid’s record for most Liga Endesa titles. The 38 trophies extend their lead over FC Barcelona (19) and Baskonia (4), reinforcing their status as Spain’s most successful basketball club. It also marks the seventh Liga title for Fernández, who has been a cornerstone of the team’s success since rejoining in 2012 after stints in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets.

Fernández: A Career of Milestones

While the gala celebrated the team’s achievement, it also highlighted Fernández’s individual legacy. Born in Palma de Mallorca in 1985, Fernández has been a fixture in Spanish basketball for over two decades. His resume includes:

• Two FIBA World Cup titles (2006, 2019) with the Spanish national team
• Four EuroBasket championships (2009, 2011, 2015, 2022)
• Three Olympic medals (silver in 2008 and 2012, bronze in 2016)
• Three EuroLeague titles (2015, 2018, 2023) with Real Madrid
• Seven Copa del Rey trophies and nine Spanish Supercups

Fernández’s leadership has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s recent success. Despite his age, he averaged 6.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 Liga Endesa season, providing veteran stability and clutch shooting. His ability to elevate his play in critical moments—such as his 14-point performance in the Copa del Rey final—has earned him the nickname “Rudy Airlines” for his knack for delivering under pressure.

What’s Next: EuroLeague Playoffs and Beyond

Real Madrid’s focus now shifts to the EuroLeague, where they enter the quarterfinals as the top seed. Their opponent, Hapoel Jerusalem, finished eighth in the regular season with a 16-18 record but has shown resilience in the playoffs, eliminating Olympiacos in the previous round. The series begins on April 30 at the WiZink Center in Madrid, with Game 2 scheduled for May 2.

For Fernández and Real Madrid, the EuroLeague represents a chance to add another trophy to an already historic season. The team has not won the competition since 2023, and a deep run would further cement their status as Europe’s premier club. Fernández, who has won the EuroLeague three times, will be central to their ambitions. “We’re not thinking about the past,” he said at the gala. “We’re focused on the next challenge.”

Key Takeaways

• Title No. 38: Real Madrid secured its 38th Liga Endesa championship, the most in league history, with a 3-0 sweep of Valencia in the finals.
• Campazzo’s MVP: Facundo Campazzo was named Finals MVP after averaging 18.3 points and 7.7 assists in the series.
• Fernández’s Legacy: The 41-year-old captain has now won seven Liga titles with Real Madrid, adding to a career that includes Olympic medals and EuroLeague trophies.
• EuroLeague Playoffs: Real Madrid begins its quarterfinal series against Hapoel Jerusalem on April 30, with home-court advantage in the best-of-five matchup.
• AEPD Recognition: The team was honored at the XLV National Sports Gala in Barcelona, hosted by the Spanish Sports Press Association.

How to Follow

For live updates on Real Madrid’s EuroLeague campaign, follow the official accounts of the EuroLeague and Real Madrid. The WiZink Center will host Games 1 and 2, with tickets available through the club’s website. Fans can also stream the games via EuroLeague TV.

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