On March 22, 2025, Leyma Básquet Coruña faces an uphill battle against Valencia Basket, a team currently occupying the third position in the Liga ACB standings. With a record of 5 wins and 18 losses, Coruña is desperate to secure points to avoid relegation. A loss could further distance them from safety, as they are three games away from Girona, which holds the salvation spot with eight wins.
Valencia Basket, on the other hand, has not tasted defeat since their early exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Dreamland Gran Canaria. Since then, they have racked up three consecutive wins in Liga Endesa, defeating Zaragoza, Bilbao, and Joventut, in addition to progressing to the semifinals of the Eurocup by defeating Cluj-Napoca.
Statistically, Valencia stands out as the top team in the league. They lead in valuation points per game, scoring an impressive average of 97.09 points, and excel in total rebounds, offensive rebounds, assists, and three-pointers made. Their three-point shooting is particularly formidable, with a success rate of 38.5%.
Coruña’s previous encounter with Valencia at the Coliseum was a testament to their spirit, as they managed to hold their ground despite being significantly weakened by injuries and a virus that left them with only eight first-team players. In that match, players such as Barrueta and Huskic put in substantial minutes, but ultimately Valenica's Costello and Jones lifted their team to victory in the final moments.
Diego Epifanio, the coach of Coruña, now has all 15 players available for this crucial match, with Thomas Heurtel returning to full training after precautionary measures taken earlier in the week. ‘Everyone is counting on Heurtel to be ready for the game without any issues,’ said Epifanio in a press conference. However, he will need to exclude three players from the final roster to adhere to the league's regulations regarding squad composition.
In making his selection, Epifanio typically must choose four players from a pool defined by specific league rules, which includes Lima, Diagne, Aleix Font, Beqa Burjanadze, and Álex Hernández. The recent weeks have seen sacrifices made, including Lundqvist and Ángel Núñez, who, despite having arrived as a promising replacement for the departed LJ Figueroa, has yet to make a significant impact on the court.
Epifanio acknowledged the week had been challenging following the recent defeat against Breogán, saying, ‘The situation is complicated, but we have to demonstrate our professionalism. Mental aspects are crucial in sports, and we need to alleviate some pressure.’ This reflects the deep challenges the team faces as they navigate the closing stretch of the season.
Pedro Martínez, coach of Valencia Basket, has also recognized the gravity of this matchup. He noted the intensity of their previous game against Coruña, remarking, “We’re aware that the last time we played there, it was close and we only pulled ahead in the last five minutes.” His respectful approach to Coruña illustrates the unpredictable nature of Liga ACB where, despite their current standings, any team can surprise an opponent.
The match at the Pabellón Fuente de San Luis is slated for 18:00, and it’s crucial for Leyma Coruña to come out strong against a historically tough Valencia team. To win, they must leverage their strengths while mitigating their weaknesses, particularly in defense, where they have faltered in critical moments this season.
Statistically, the contrast between the two teams is stark. Valencia, as the league leader in numerous categories including performance metrics such as rebounds and assists, stands as a daunting challenge for a Coruña team that has struggled defensively and faced issues with ball control.
Despite this, there’s a glimmer of optimism for Coruña supporters. With a fully fit squad, including a pivotal Thomas Heurtel, the team can come together to potentially create an upset. After all, sports are built on the unpredictability of competition — miracles can happen.
As match day approaches, fans on both sides are eager with anticipation. The stakes are high for Leyma Coruña, who not only seek a victory but strive to restore their pride and hopes for survival in the league. Will they be able to pull off a crucial win against one of the best in the league, or will Valencia continue their dominance?”
