The Valencia Basket team is gearing up for a pivotal encounter today, March 25, 2025, at 20:30, against Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv in the first match of their EuroCup semifinal series. With the unwavering support of the Familia Taronja, the team is eager to impose their game and clinch the first point of the series.
This matchup is particularly significant as it marks Valencia Basket's tenth appearance in a EuroCup semifinal. The team is competing against a high-quality opponent, led by Dimitris Itoudis since November, and both teams have been deemed favorites for the title since the tournament began.
Valencia’s coach, Pedro Martínez, acknowledges the excitement of this high-stakes match, commenting, "It’s a moment we live for. The semifinal of a European competition is incredibly difficult to achieve. The motivation and excitement are immense. We live to play these games, and we are privileged to have this pressure and enjoyment ahead of this match.”
In this inaugural clash, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv becomes the 108th opponent Valencia has faced in continental competitions, and they are the fifth Israeli team to compete in an official match at the Fonteta. Historically, Israeli clubs have proven to be formidable foes, boasting five wins in their fourteen past visits.
Today, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv enters the Fonteta on an impressive streak of eight consecutive victories, having recently eliminated Turk Telekom Ankara with a score of 67-61 in the EuroCup quarterfinals. Their recent success is attributed to a substantial increase in budget since new ownership took over in 2023, allowing them to assemble a roster filled with all-star caliber talent, including prominent players like Johnathan Motley and Yam Madar.
Valencia, regrettably, must contend without the assistance of their injured players, Ethan Happ and Sergio De Larrea. The absence of these key figures could pose a challenge for the team as they strive to match Hapoel’s intensity and skill.
Martínez further elaborated on the upcoming challenge, stating, “We know they will present significant difficulties. Hapoel has immense talent and has built a strong team with their recent signings. This will be a thrilling matchup and could have easily been a final, but we have to play against them in the semifinals.”
This semifinal playoff not only carries weight because of the stakes but also because both squads have been statistically dominant throughout the season. Valencia displays the best offensive rating in the EuroCup at 1.24 points per possession, while Hapoel closely follows with a rating of 1.18 (1.21 since the arrival of Itoudis). The effective field goal percentages also highlight the caliber of both teams, with Valencia at 58.7% and Hapoel at 56.8%.
For the Valencians, their three-point shooting has been particularly prolific, registering an impressive 39.1%. Meanwhile, Hapoel excels in two-point shooting percentages at 60.5%. Both teams exhibit equal prowess in assisting, with Valencia averaging 23.6 assists per game compared to Hapoel's 20.6.
As far as player statistics go, Johnathan Motley, Hapoel’s standout center, averages 16.3 points per game and is known for his exceptional shooting efficiency, hitting 61.2% of his two-point shots. Alongside him, Yam Madar contributes significantly with an average of 14.1 points per game, complimented by his sharp three-point shooting abilities.
This encounter will mark the first time Valencia and Hapoel have faced each other in European competitions, so there's no prior record to guide expectations. However, history favors Valencia in EuroCup semifinals, as they have advanced to the finals in six out of their previous nine semifinal appearances. The previous successes came against notable teams, including Estudiantes, Panellinios, and Unics Kazan, showcasing the team’s ability to deliver when it matters most.
Looking ahead, if today’s match is tightly contested, a second game will follow on March 28, 2025, at Hapoel’s arena, with the potential for a third decisive match back at Fonteta on April 2, 2025.
The Port of Valencia is expected to bring its A-game tonight, with fans creating an electric atmosphere instrumental in pushing the team toward victory. Given the stakes, the rhetoric around the match indicates that both players and supporters are ready for a highly charged contest.
Whether Valencia can leverage its home advantage for a successful start in this semifinal will soon be seen, as fans rally behind their squad in what promises to be a captivating chapter in the EuroCup saga.
