ASVEL versus Villeurbanne and Real Madrid’s basketball saga closed 2023 with an extraordinary run in the Euroleague. The Whites delivered nearly flawless performances in the first round, setting a calendar-year club record with 16 wins in 17 games. They narrowly missed extending the streak, losing only in the final seconds of extra time. Chus Mateo, directing from the bench, wrested every setback into momentum and kept the team’s trajectory moving forward.
Even with such a remarkable season, a single blemish remained on the league’s record: Unicaja outpaced its rival, claiming second place ahead of Barça. The narrative, as told by Roger Grimau, marks a transition period that followed Jasikevičius’ era and signaled a pivotal moment for club strategy.
Mateo’s three classic clashes with Grimau
Today both projects compete on the same stage in Europe, yet they approach it from opposite timelines. Both coaches carry specialized histories that underscore their shared respect for Chus Mateo. Mateo edged Grimau in the Super Cup (88-81), the domestic league (86-79), and the Euroleague opener (65-64). Two players, modest in profile, accepted their roles as inside operators while displaying divergent developmental paths.
The Laso era, led by the deputy-turned-head coach, transcends simple results. He not only beat Grimau when returning to the WiZink Center but also built an imposing machine in his own image, rooted in methodical preparation. The habit of perfection dates back to school days and has become a defining feature of his leadership style, not merely a journey of growth but a return-to-form discipline.
That disciplined approach helped quiet early criticisms when Mateo’s leadership took over under stormy circumstances. He and Real Madrid maintained a measured distance from past tensions, even as the club collected 22 titles over 11 seasons. The Euroleague clash in Madrid reflected those ongoing dynamics, underscoring how the relationship between Mateo and Grimau shaped the club’s broader narrative.
From cup crises to the fierce duel with Partizan
While Laso described the conversation with his former assistant as a routine exchange between colleagues, Madrid’s players offered heartfelt praise. One veteran acknowledged that Mateo is a legend at the club and a constant source of inspiration: Real Madrid, as an institution, remains his home. The journey, which began with Mateo as a player in the 1990s, later saw him earning the right to defend his status as a coach after serving as Sergio Scariolo’s assistant at Unicaja.
These two figures, one a former teammate and the other a former club official, became central to the first substantial crisis Mateo faced in late 2023. Last season, Malaga eliminated Madrid from the Copa del Rey semi-finals, a bruising setback that foreshadowed what was to come.
April proved challenging as Partizan pushed Madrid to a 0-2 deficit in the Euroleague playoffs, a spectacle that tested the club in the Palacio de los Deportes. Yet the back-and-forth exchanges, including Yabusele’s return, refocused Real Madrid and sparked a historic revival. Matthew’s leadership steered the team toward an unprecedented European conquest, a milestone that helped cement the coach’s legacy within the department.
The Musa surge, Facu’s return, and Diagné’s rise
“Chus deserves recognition. The crowd should acknowledge the doubts and the criticism that followed him and the coaching staff. He is the boss, and that pressure is a constant,” said Walter Tavares after a championship moment that moved the Madrid bench. The win wasn’t luck; Mateo’s squad continued to refine Real Madrid into a precise, potent unit.
Under his guidance, players like Dzanan Musa have stepped into leadership roles, echoing the MVP form he showed during a stellar season with Breogán. Musa has averaged 13.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists this season, boasting high efficiency marks: 66.7% on two-pointers, 36.9% from three, and 82.1% on free throws, contributing consistently with around 15 points per game overall.
Facundo Campazzo’s return added another layer of force. His game sense has sharpened since leaving the NBA, yielding averages around 14.3 points per game, 37% from three, 48% on two-pointers, 90% on free throws, plus 6.7 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and a 19-player efficiency rating. These performances illustrate the balance Real Madrid achieved between offensive firepower and defensive robustness, a balance that has underpinned the team’s sustained progress.
Two examples stand out in Real Madrid’s current frame. Vincent Poirier’s presence eased the strain in the lineup even as questions about a future beyond his contract linger. The return of Carlos Alocén, along with the emergence of young talents like Ismaila Diagne, signals a deeper, longer-term depth chart that keeps the squad competitive on multiple fronts. The club continues to balance veteran leadership with youthful energy in pursuit of continued success.
Chus Mateo: “Goals define the year, not the calendar”
As Sergio Llull nears the 110th classic of his career, the team remains mindful of its enduring legends. Rudy Fernández has faced injuries, and Gaby Deck has dealt with a foot issue, yet the squad’s cohesion remains intact. Yabusele, who ignited the revival after a 16-game absence, embodies the resilience Madrid has shown. But in every debate, the name that emerges is Chus Mateo.
Mateo reshaped the team’s approach to defense without sacrificing the explosive offensive rhythm that has driven Madrid to multiple records. The club closed 2023 with a record 74 wins in a calendar year, a mark that underscored both the consistency and the ambition of the roster. Looking to 2024, the coaching staff remains focused on incremental progress rather than chasing a single grand achievement. The path forward is measured, ambitious, and grounded in constant improvement.
“Goals are set year by year, not as a distant horizon,” Mateo said. “Progress comes step by step, and I want the players to feel that pace. The horizon looks bright, but it’s not the moment to rush. The schedule is demanding, and the team must stay focused on the next step.” The sentiment resonated through the locker room, a reminder that the journey is ongoing and the team is built to endure.