Madrid survives Valencia and awaits Olympiacos in the final

Published on May 24, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

Real Madrid basketball once again demonstrated its character in the Euroleague semifinals. Against a Valencia Basket that fought until the last second, the whites managed to prevail, securing their ticket to the final. With this victory, Chus Mateo's team will face Olympiacos in the fight for the European title, in a duel that promises intensity and few mistakes.

Real Madrid basketball player in white jersey executing a fast break layup past a Valencia defender, intense semifinal Euroleague action, sweat flying from motion, polished hardwood court reflecting dramatic arena lights, scoreboard blurred in background, tactical play development visible, high-contrast cinematic sports photography style, photorealistic detail, frozen mid-air action sequence, dynamic motion blur on peripherals, dramatic spotlighting on athletes, ultra-detailed muscle tension and jersey fabric, technical sports biomechanics visualization

Resilience as a system: tactical keys of the white team 🏀

The game highlighted Madrid's ability to adjust their defense in critical moments. Facing Valencia's versatile attack, the whites opted to alternate between zone defense and individual pressure, forcing turnovers at key moments. On offense, patience in finding the open man under the basket was fundamental, exploiting the opponent's mismatches. Control of the offensive rebound allowed for second-chance opportunities that wore down the Valencian team. There was no brilliance, but rather constant execution of a tactical plan that prioritizes solidity over spectacle.

The drama of the semifinals, or how not to age in the process 😅

Watching Madrid in the semifinals is like that series you know will have a happy ending, but they make you suffer through every episode. Fans clung to their seats as Valencia refused to fall behind on the scoreboard. They say a cardiologist was in the stands, and by the end of the game, he already had new clients. In the end, a white victory, and Olympiacos awaits. But please, let the final be calmer, because nerves aren't included in the season ticket.