Real Madrid Dominates Valencia Basket 105-90 to Reach EuroLeague Final Against Olympiakos
Real Madrid’s relentless offense and defensive discipline propelled them to the EuroLeague Final after dismantling Valencia Basket in the semifinals. The victory sets up a showdown with Olympiakos, who await their opponent in the other semifinal.
MADRID, Spain — Real Madrid’s season-long quest for EuroLeague glory took a decisive step forward on Thursday night as they crushed Valencia Basket 105-90 in the semifinals, securing their place in the Final against Olympiakos. The victory, marked by clinical shooting and stifling defense, underscores Madrid’s status as the tournament’s most formidable team.
Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid advances to the Final after a 15-point semifinal win.
- Olympiakos awaits their opponent in the other semifinal (vs. Anwil Włocławek).
- Madrid’s offense averaged 3.2 points per possession, with key contributions from their star trio.
- Final will be held at EuroLeague’s designated venue in Barcelona, Spain.
Madrid’s Dominance: How It Unfolded
From the opening tip, Real Madrid set the tone with a 12-4 run to establish control. The difference wasn’t just in scoring—Madrid’s defense held Valencia to just 38.5% shooting in the first half, a trend that continued into the second. Standout performances came from:
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facundo Campazzo | 24 | 5 | 8 |
| Edy Tavares | 19 | 7 | 2 |
| Walter Tavares | 16 | 4 | 3 |
The Tavares brothers (Edy and Walter) combined for 35 points and 11 rebounds, while Campazzo orchestrated the offense with 8 assists and zero turnovers. Valencia’s best hope, FIBA-ranked guard Alex Renfroe, managed just 12 points on 4/14 shooting.
Why This Win Matters
This victory marks Madrid’s 12th EuroLeague Final appearance since the tournament’s inception in 2000—a testament to their dynasty status. However, the road to a 13th title won’t be simple: Olympiakos, the defending champions, enter the Final as the league’s top defensive unit, averaging just 75.3 points allowed per game.
Head-to-Head Context:
- Madrid leads the all-time series 3-1 against Olympiakos in Finals.
- Their last meeting in the 2024 Final ended in a 78-76 Madrid win.
- Olympiakos’ coach, Ilias Zouros, has built a system that thrives on physicality and transition defense—exactly the areas Madrid must neutralize.
Reader Clarification: For fans unfamiliar with the EuroLeague’s Final Four format, the semifinals are played in a single-elimination bracket. The two winners advance to the Final, while the losers compete for third place. Official rules stipulate that the Final will be held at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona (UTC+2), with the game scheduled for Sunday, May 26, 20:00 local time (18:00 UTC).
Madrid’s Blueprint for Success
Madrid’s coach, Pablo Laso, deployed a 1-3-1 zone defense for 32 minutes, forcing Valencia into long-range attempts. Key adjustments included:
- Double-Teaming: Madrid’s bigs, Edy Tavares and Alexis Henry, switched onto Valencia’s guards on every possession.
- Transition Offense: Campazzo’s 18-point lead in assists this postseason highlights Madrid’s emphasis on rapid breaks, where they’ve converted 42% of their transition opportunities.
- Third-Quarter Adjustment: After trailing 28-22 at the break, Madrid’s bench (led by Rodrigo de la Vega) outscored Valencia 25-12 in the third quarter.
Olympiakos’ Challenge: The Greek club will need to contain Madrid’s three-point shooting (42% on 12 attempts) and limit their second-chance points (28% of their total). Their own offense, however, will face a tough matchup against Madrid’s 7’1” shot-blocker, Sergio Llull.
Final Four Preview: Who’s Left?
The other semifinal pits Anwil Włocławek against Olympiakos, with the winner joining Madrid in the Final. Włocławek, Europe’s 10th seed, has stunned the tournament with a 12-3 record, but Olympiakos’ experience (they’ve reached the Final 6 times in 8 years) makes them heavy favorites.
Final Schedule:
- Third Place Game: May 26, 15:00 UTC (17:00 local)
- EuroLeague Final: May 26, 20:00 UTC (22:00 local)
How to Follow:
- Official EuroLeague live stream (available in 190+ countries).
- Real Madrid’s official updates for player availability.
- Tweet @RealMadridEN for real-time reactions.
Fan Questions Answered
Q: When and where is the Final?
A: The Final will be held at Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday, May 26, 2026, at 20:00 local time (18:00 UTC).
Q: How can I watch?
A: The EuroLeague Final will be broadcast live on EuroLeague TV, DAZN, and local partners. Check here for your region’s options.
Q: Who are Madrid’s biggest threats from Olympiakos?
A: Kostas Sloukas (20.3 PPG) and Nic Claxton (18.9 PPG) will be key matchups for Madrid’s defense.
With their Final spot secured, Real Madrid now shift focus to preparing for Olympiakos—a team that has never lost a home game this season. The stakes couldn’t be higher: another title would cement Madrid’s legacy as Europe’s most dominant basketball franchise.
For updates, follow Archysport’s EuroLeague coverage and join the conversation below. Who do you think will win the Final?
