Bosnian forward Dzanan Musa carried Real Madrid to a decisive win as his team beat Valencia Basket 79-62, extending a run that included strong showings against Breogán and Real Madrid in recent encounters. The Spaniards have now locked in an eighth straight victory across both the EuroLeague and the ACB League, with Musa playing a pivotal role on both ends of the floor.
In their previous clashes, Musa registered 41 and 44 efficiency points against the Galician squad. Ten days earlier he contributed 32 points in the EuroLeague win against La Fonteta, and this Sunday he returned to deliver 22 points in just 19 minutes to help Real Madrid widen the advantage. His efficiency came during the opening stretch and again in the third period when Valencia pressed hardest.
The game followed a familiar script from the La Fonteta clash: Real Madrid, aided by a Moses goal and solid interior defense, prevented Valencia from gaining traction. Early three-pointers from the Bosnian forward spearheaded Madrid’s attack, forcing a timeout from Álex Mumbrú as Walter Tavares anchored the defense and dictated the pace with a 15-2 surge by the middle of the first period.
The second unit’s entrance slowed Valencia’s momentum but did not erase it. The visitors found some balance with better organization and the youthful Guillem Ferrando helping to narrow the gap. The local point guard playmaker connected with Jaime Pradilla to close the first quarter at 19-14 and keep Madrid from pulling away completely.
Madrid’s offense briefly cooled, and Valencia exploited the lull with a stretch of more efficient outside shooting. However, their struggles from long range — a rough shooting night after a few early misses — limited their ability to sustain pressure. Real Madrid seized the opportunity to extend their lead, testing Valencia’s resolve with disciplined defense and relentless ball movement.
Despite some free-throw misfires that briefly shook Madrid’s rhythm, the team managed to maintain focus as the second period wore on. The difference stayed in double digits, with Valencia yet to break through Madrid’s armor. The halftime tally reflected Madrid’s control, though the visitors remained within striking distance, eyes fixed on a comeback that would require flawless execution on both ends of the court.
Vital changes occurred after the break. Musa, in particular, ignited a crucial stretch that steadied Madrid when it mattered most. His timely triples and aggressive drives helped erase periods of sluggish play and pushed the margin deeper into double digits. The defense tightened further, forcing Valencia into difficult decisions and contested shots as the minutes ticked away.
As the clock wound down, Gabriel Deck and Walter Tavares extended Madrid’s advantage as they exploited the interior and converted at the rim. The duo, supported by the rest of the rotation, created the kind of steady scoring rhythm that Madrid needed to seal the victory. Valencia fought to stay within range, but the Madrid defense held firm, limiting Valencia to a handful of clean looks and converting their own chances efficiently at the other end.
Valencia faced the challenge of missing key playmakers, with Chris Jones, Sam Van Rossom, and Martin Hermannsson unavailable. The absence of those leaders obliged Valencia to rely on Kyle Alexander and Jared Harper to shoulder much of the backcourt load, with Jonah Radebaugh, Sergio Rodríguez, Mario Hezonja, and Vicente Poirier providing supplementary scoring and defensive effort. The adjustments could not overcome Madrid’s balanced approach, and Real Madrid preserved their advantage from the opening minutes to the closing whistle.
Data sheet:
79 – Real Madrid (19+13+26+21): Williams-Goss (2), Moses (22), Deck (6), Cornelie (5), Tavares (9), Causeur (4), Abalde (2), Hezonja (10), Sergio Rodríguez (8), Poirier (8), Ndiaye (0), Llull (3).
62 – Valencia Basket (7+20+16+19): Harper (10), López-Arostegui (2), Claver (0), Webb III (14), Dubljevic (2), Ferrando (3), Puerto (2), Prepelic (8), Pradilla (6), Radebaugh (8), Alexander (7), Mari (0).
Referees: Hierrezuelo, Castillo and Sanchez. Alexander was ruled out of the game at minute 38 due to an injury.
The match, counting as the 10th day of the regular season in the Endesa League, drew 8,133 spectators to the WiZink Center in Madrid. Before the game, Estudiantes, along with Real Madrid’s longtime coach, Miguel Ángel Martín, observed a moment of silence in tribute to the occasion.