The Real Madrid basketball team secured a decisive 96-79 victory over Valencia Basket at the Movistar Arena on Thursday, March 12, 2026, marking their fourth consecutive win in the EuroLeague and bolstering their playoff prospects.
The match saw Real Madrid effectively neutralize Valencia Basket’s typically high-scoring offense, which averages 91 points per game in the EuroLeague, holding them to 79. This defensive performance was a key factor in the victory, according to reports. Scariolo’s team imposed their tempo, reducing the speed and shooting accuracy of their opponents while simultaneously improving their own, particularly from three-point range, where they achieved 16 of 35 attempts.
The win is particularly significant as it allows Real Madrid to tie on record with Olympiacos and Valencia Basket in the EuroLeague standings. The victory as well secured a head-to-head tiebreaker against Valencia, reversing the result of their previous encounter in Roig Arena (89-76). What we have is the third consecutive win for Real Madrid in their head-to-head matchups with Valencia, bringing their overall record to 3-2.
Hezonja led the scoring for Real Madrid with 16 points, but the victory was characterized as a collective effort, emphasizing strong teamwork and defensive play. Trey Lyles and Deck also delivered strong performances. The team demonstrated a high level of ball movement, recording 25 assists against only 5 turnovers – a ratio of five passes per basket for every ball lost, a statistic highlighted as crucial for success.
Valencia Basket had previously defeated Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España and the first leg of the EuroLeague season. Scariolo’s strategy focused on disrupting Valencia’s offensive rhythm from the outset, with Tavares playing a key role in containing their attack. The game remained closely contested in the first half, with both teams exchanging points, but Real Madrid ultimately gained control in the second half.
The upcoming schedule for Real Madrid includes away games against Zalgiris, Baskonia, and Olympiacos, and home games against Hapoel, Anadolu Efes, and Estrella Roja. Valencia Basket will face a challenging schedule including games against Barcelona, Olympiacos, Armani Milan, and Panathinaikos at home, and away games against Partizán, Virtus, and Dubai.
