EuroLeague: Pedro Martínez Points to Real Madrid's Rebounding Dominance After Valencia's Semifinal Exit: "It Slowed Down Our Game"

ATHENS. Valencia Basket fell to Real Madrid 90-105 in the EuroLeague semifinals, and head coach Pedro Martínez acknowledged after the match that Madrid's dominance on the glass and second-chance opportunities were decisive in disrupting the orange team's usual identity.

"Madrid's offensive rebounding slowed down our game. Beyond the cost of easy baskets, it takes you out of rhythm," explained Valencia Basket's head coach following the elimination at the Final Four held at the OAKA in Athens.

The Valencia coach admitted that Real Madrid was superior for much of the game and highlighted especially the white team's three-point shooting and their ability to control the game from the boards.

"It was a game where we fell short of what we would have liked. Very good game from Madrid. They were very accurate from three and made a difference on the glass. We weren't consistent and that allowed them to have second chances," analyzed Pedro Martínez.

Valencia Basket's head coach also acknowledged that the team tried to pick up the pace, especially after halftime, but never managed to find offensive continuity against Madrid's defense in this EuroLeague semifinal.

"We tried to run, especially in the second half, but we weren't consistent and they didn't let us get into a rhythm," he added.

Pedro Martínez also referenced the difficulties Valencia Basket is having this season competing against Real Madrid, a rival that, according to him, is managing to neutralize the orange team's strengths.

"It's been tough for us to play well against Madrid in general. We beat them early in the season, but lately they've been able to defend us very well and take us out of our rhythm. Madrid's good defense is really showing. They're taking us away from our identity," he stated.

The Valencia coach cited specific moments in the game that ended up affecting the team mentally, highlighting the contributions of players like Alberto Abalde and Andrés Feliz.

"Two threes from Abalde, Feliz's contribution... maybe they weren't decisive plays, but mentally they took us away from the game plan we had," he commented.

Pedro Martínez also acknowledged the problems Valencia Basket had adapting to Real Madrid's more spread-out lineups after halftime, especially with versatile players occupying interior positions.

"When they started playing with versatile players inside, it was hard for us to adapt. More than good defense from us, it was waiting for them to miss. With everyone spread out, we weren't able to dominate," he explained.

Additionally, the Valencia coach pointed out that the absence of Walter Tavares ended up changing Real Madrid's style and creating new tactical problems for his team.

"They turned Tavares's absence into an advantage. It allows them to have more space and more one-on-one situations," he stated.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on the EuroLeague final, Pedro Martínez wanted to send a message of continuity and reminded that Valencia Basket still has to face the decisive stretch of the domestic season.

"We can't consider the season over. Next week we have three games and we need to be competitive in those three matches. Now it's time to recover, be critical about what we've done, and look ahead," he concluded.