On May 4, 2025, Valencia Basket secured their place in the Liga Femenina Endesa final by defeating Perfumerías Avenida 75-62 in a thrilling semifinal match held at the Fonteta. The victory not only guaranteed them a shot at the championship but also ensured their participation in the EuroLeague Women next season.
The game started with both teams showing intensity, as they were well aware of the stakes involved. Valencia, after a close draw in the first leg in Salamanca, knew they had to capitalize on their home court advantage. Despite some nerves early on, they managed to take control of the game.
Valencia's head coach, Rubén Burgos, had to navigate this match without the injured Kristine Vitola and Queralt Casas, but his team rose to the occasion. The standout performances came from Raquel Carrera and Leticia Romero, who both made significant contributions to Valencia's success.
As the first quarter unfolded, the local team struggled initially, allowing Avenida to take an early lead. However, Valencia's momentum shifted when Carrera entered the game, helping to stabilize the offense. With her impressive play and a timely three-pointer from Alina Iagupova, Valencia finished the first half ahead by a slim margin of 40-39.
In the third quarter, Valencia began to pull away, thanks to the sharp shooting of Leo Fiebich and Romero, who both hit important three-pointers that widened the gap. The team’s defensive effort was equally commendable, as they managed to limit Avenida’s scoring opportunities.
Yvonne Turner played a crucial role in guiding Valencia, effectively leveraging the size and strength of Kayla Alexander, who dominated the paint with 16 points and 12 rebounds, earning her the title of the game’s most valuable player. Alexander’s presence under the basket proved pivotal as Valencia maintained their lead.
Despite their best efforts, Avenida, led by the experienced duo of Laura Gil and Antonia Delaere, could not keep pace with Valencia's scoring in the final quarter. A late three-pointer from Iagupova sealed the victory for Valencia, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
The final score reflected Valencia's dominance, ending the game with a 75-62 victory and a +13 aggregate score over the two legs of the semifinal. This win means that Valencia will face Casademont Zaragoza in the final, beginning on May 8, 2025, in a best-of-three series.
Casademont Zaragoza advanced to the final after a dramatic overtime victory against Spar Girona, winning 88-75, which allowed them to overcome a 19-point deficit from the first leg. Mariona Ortiz was the standout player in that match, scoring 24 points along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming final, Valencia Basket aims to defend their title and secure their third consecutive championship. The stakes are high, with both teams now confirmed to participate in the EuroLeague next season, adding extra motivation to the final series.
With the home-court advantage on their side, Valencia will look to capitalize on their momentum and the support of their fans in the Fonteta. The upcoming final against Zaragoza promises to be an exciting showdown, with both teams eager to claim the coveted title.
As the teams prepare for this historic matchup, fans are left wondering: can Valencia Basket continue their winning streak and solidify their status as the top team in women's basketball in Spain? Or will Casademont Zaragoza rise to the occasion and claim their place as champions? Only time will tell as the final approaches.
In conclusion, Valencia Basket's triumph over Perfumerías Avenida marks a significant step towards their goal of another league title and a return to the EuroLeague, setting the stage for a thrilling final against Zaragoza.
