EuroLeague: Hezonja and Llull Sound Warning Before Madrid's Showdown With Valencia Basket in Athens

Real Madrid is fully focused on the EuroLeague 2026 Final Four. Just days before facing Valencia Basket in the Athens semifinals, Mario Hezonja and Sergio Llull analyzed the state of the white team and the keys to a matchup that promises maximum parity between two squads that know each other perfectly.

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The Madrid squad faces the continental competition hampered by interior absences, but with the conviction of arriving prepared to compete for the title. Both Hezonja and Llull agreed in highlighting the difficulty of the challenge and the level shown by Valencia Basket throughout the season.

Mario Hezonja underscored the magnitude of the Final Four and the demands of a format where any detail can decide the championship. "I believe it's the most important tournament in basketball worldwide. It's two games and it's the most important and most demanding moment, both individually and collectively," explained the Croatian small forward.

The Madrid player also assured he is fully recovered despite the physical difficulties the team has faced in recent weeks. "Individually I'm perfect, but yes, these last two weeks we've had to be smart with everything that's happened to us," said Hezonja, also referring to the lack of competitive continuity stemming from injuries suffered by the team.

Despite this, the Croatian believes the group has managed to take advantage of daily work to arrive ready for Friday's clash. "In training we've worked and prepared everything we haven't been able to do in games," he added.

Regarding the matchup against Valencia Basket, Hezonja highlighted the deep mutual knowledge between both teams, though he believes the context of a Final Four completely changes the scenario. "What's different is the setting: a Final Four. We've never faced each other there and that will be something new for both teams," he commented.

The Croatian also praised the season of the orange squad and assumed the responsibility Real Madrid will have following the absences of Walter Tavares and Alex Len. "We are prepared to take that step forward that is now demanded of us after the injuries to our two centers, Len and Tavares. Mentally and physically we are at our best to compete and win."

For his part, Sergio Llull will face another Final Four in a career filled with experiences at the highest European level. The white captain acknowledged that the event still holds a special component despite the years accumulated in such scenarios. "It's still a special week. I have many Final Fours behind me and one tries to take advantage of that experience to give some advice," he stated.

The Menorcan insisted on the importance of the mental aspect in a tournament where everything is decided in just 48 hours. "You have to approach the Final Four with great desire, great enthusiasm and great hunger to win. I think it's very important to want it more than your opponent," explained Llull.

The point guard also had words of recognition for Valencia Basket, which he defined as one of the most attractive teams of the season in Europe. "Valencia has had an incredible season so far. Plus, as a spectator, it's a beautiful team to watch because they play great basketball," he highlighted.

Llull expects an extremely tight encounter in Athens and anticipated tactical adjustments by both coaches in search of the surprise factor. "We know each other very well, but surely both teams will prepare something to try to surprise the other," he assured before concluding that Real Madrid will seek to "minimize their strengths and enhance ours to win."