Real Madrid clinched a hard-fought 95-91 victory over Valencia in a EuroLeague showdown where every possession mattered as the clock wound down. Gabriel Deck of Argentina surged when it counted, driving plays and securing key rebounds to tilt the balance in Madrid’s favor during the final stretch.
Valencia delivered a more cohesive group effort, while Madrid required a moment to settle in after a balanced early 12-12 game. The hosts opened with a quick burst from the bench, drawing a responsive return from the visitors who converted small advantages into a growing cushion as the first quarter progressed. An early burst from Jonah Radebaugh helped Valencia set the pace, though his impact faded as Madrid found its rhythm again.
Mario Hezonja and Petr Cornelie connected early, even as the rim stubbornly resisted. Inside scoring from Walter Tavares and Vincent Poirier didn’t dominate the paint as expected, nudging Madrid toward quicker ball movement and sharper perimeter shooting to create clean looks for teammates.
The first period ended 24-20, underscoring that both teams were still feeling out tempo and balance. The game carried a tactical feel rather than chaotic slippage, with defenses testing pace and offenses chasing disciplined execution.
In the second period, Rivero kept Valencia’s offense steady, staying a step ahead for much of the frame. Madrid matched a 9-11 stretch in the early minutes as Rivero continued to shoulder the scoring load for his team. His scoring burst helped Valencia keep Madrid within striking distance as the half progressed.
Madrid tightened its ball movement and found calm on offense, building a 45-35 lead by mid-second quarter. Rudy Fernández nailed two threes and Cornelie added a long-range strike, giving Madrid a comfortable cushion as the period wore on.
Heading into halftime, the score stood 49-40, with Jared Harper providing valuable minutes for Valencia to stay in the mix. Madrid appeared ready to push farther after the break, but Valencia showed resilience and carried momentum into the third stanza.
Opening the second half with crisp transition play, Madrid established a clear stance before Valencia answered. A surge fueled by Dubljevic’s leadership and López-Aróstegui’s timely scores kept Valencia within reach as the period unfolded. Madrid responded with improved interior efficiency and steady outside shooting, maintaining a slender edge despite Valencia’s sustained push.
Sergio Rodríguez added a timely three to steady Madrid after a tense stretch, illustrating the visitors’ need to keep pressure on the defending champions. The Madrid defense tightened in key moments, but Valencia executed with purpose, exchanging baskets as the third period closed with Madrid in front by a few possessions.
By the end of the third, Madrid led 71-65. Tavares picked up his fourth personal foul late in the period, triggering a moment of concern for Real Madrid while Valencia kept pressing. The visitors connected on several three-pointers, signaling their intent to swing momentum, and Madrid carried a fragile but real lead into the final frame.
Early in the fourth, Valencia trimmed the gap to 75-72, and Deck again stepped forward, pulling down offensive boards and scoring to extend Madrid’s margin to 81-72 with crucial plays around the 35-minute mark. His energy and timing underscored his role as a difference-maker down the stretch.
Valencia answered with two timely triples from Webb and Jones to close the gap to a single possession. The game remained in suspense as Madrid clung to a thin lead in the closing minutes. A late sequence put Madrid ahead 90-86 with under a minute to play, heightening the tension as Valencia pressed to flip the script again. The final minutes escalated into a dramatic finish, culminating in Madrid’s 95-91 victory as the clock drained toward the final seconds and the lead held firm.
Madrid secured its fourth win in four meetings with Valencia this season, showcasing depth, resilience, and the ability to respond under pressure in a high-stakes EuroLeague confrontation.
Data sheet shows Madrid with balanced scoring from Williams-Goss, Hezonja, Cornelie, Tavares, and Moses among the top contributors, supported by Fernández, Hanga, Rodríguez, Deck, and Poirier. Valencia countered with a balanced attack led by Webb, López-Aróstegui, Jones, Radebaugh, and Dubljevic, with Harper and Claver providing important minutes off the bench. Referees Difallah, Balak, and Giovnetti oversaw the game in front of thousands at the Palacio de los Deportes in Madrid. This match marked the twenty-eighth round of the EuroLeague regular season, a showcase of elite European basketball in front of a lively crowd. The result reinforced Madrid’s position as a title favorite while highlighting Valencia’s continued fight to climb the standings with disciplined execution and timely shooting. Attribution: EuroLeague data and game summary.