On May 4, 2025, Valencia Basket secured their place in the Liga Femenina Endesa final with a decisive 75-62 victory over Perfumerías Avenida in the second leg of their semifinal matchup. This win not only allowed Valencia to defend their title but also set up a thrilling showdown against Casademont Zaragoza, who eliminated Spar Girona in their semifinal.
The game, held at Valencia's home court, La Fonteta, saw the home team bounce back strongly after a tense first leg that ended in a draw at the Pabellón Würzburg in Salamanca. Valencia's performance in the third quarter proved to be a pivotal moment, as they established a lead that they maintained through to the final whistle. Coach Rubén Burgos praised his team's defensive effort, stating, "We tightened our defense and managed to control the game better in the crucial moments."
Key players for Valencia included Kayla Alexander, who delivered an impressive performance with a valuation of 25, and Yvonne Turner, who played a critical role in the team's success. Additionally, Raquel Carrera contributed significantly to the win. This victory marks Valencia's fifth consecutive appearance in the Liga Femenina final, a remarkable achievement for the team.
On the other side of the bracket, Casademont Zaragoza made history by qualifying for their first Liga Femenina Endesa final despite falling 88-75 to Spar Girona in the second leg of their semifinal. Thanks to their commanding 69-50 lead from the first leg, Zaragoza advanced to the final, securing a spot in the next Euroleague as well.
The match in Fontajau was a rollercoaster of emotions for Zaragoza, who found themselves down by as much as 25 points at one stage. However, an outstanding performance from Mariona Ortiz, who scored 24 points and recorded eight rebounds and five assists, helped turn the tide for Zaragoza. Ortiz's efforts were complemented by strong contributions from teammates Hempe and Mawuli, who added 19 and 14 points, respectively.
The game was not without its drama; Spar Girona, the regular season champions, pushed hard for a comeback and managed to tie the game in the dying seconds, forcing overtime at 77-58. However, Zaragoza dominated the extra period, outscoring Girona 17-11, and ultimately clinching their spot in the final.
For Girona, who have not reached the final since 2019, this defeat was particularly disappointing. Despite their efforts, including a strong start that saw them jump to a 22-9 lead, they were unable to overcome the deficit from the first leg. Coach Roberto Íñiguez acknowledged the team's struggle, stating, "We fought hard, but ultimately we couldn't convert our chances into points when it mattered most."
The upcoming final between Valencia Basket and Casademont Zaragoza promises to be an exciting encounter, not just for the teams but also for the fans, as it will feature two players from Mallorca: Alba Torrens representing Valencia and Helena Pueyo for Zaragoza. This matchup adds an intriguing layer to the final, as both players will be vying for their first championship title in the Liga Femenina Endesa.
Valencia, who have won the last two finals against Perfumerías Avenida, are looking to extend their dominance in the league, while Zaragoza aims to capture their first-ever title. The stakes couldn't be higher as both teams prepare for what is sure to be a thrilling showdown.
As the final approaches, anticipation builds among fans and players alike. Valencia's experience and recent success in finals will be tested against Zaragoza's determination and historic opportunity. Will Valencia continue their reign, or will Zaragoza write a new chapter in their history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Liga Femenina Endesa final is set to be a spectacular event.
