Real Madrid 2023 and Valencia 2026 - the only Spanish clubs in history to have managed to advance to the Euroleague playoffs after losing 2-0 in the series.
And their path was practically mapped out, as both were on the verge of elimination after the first two matches in their home stadium - Real then reached 3:2 over Partizan, and Valencia came back from a setback against Panathinaikos.
The team of phenomenal expert Pedro Martinez first won Athens twice, and then tonight celebrated in a masterclass in their "Roig Arena" - 81:64.
Interestingly, in both upsets, French center Mathias Lesor was a member of the losing team.
Valencia thus crushed the dreams of the Athenian giants to become champions in the Final Four at their OAKA Arena, but also set up a semi-final with Real. Olympiacos and Fenerbahçe will clash in the second.
Branko Badio led Valencia to victory with 20 points, while Braxton Kay and Gian Montero each scored 12 points.
Nigel Hayes-Davies was the best player for Athens with 15 points, while Jedi Osman added 10 points.
The Final Four will be played from May 22nd to 24th.
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
