Last night I had the opportunity to watch the basketball game between Real Madrid and Valencia Basket at the Movistar Arena. A little nervous? Yes, but also very exciting to learn about this fast and dynamic sport. This was not just any Liga Endesa fixture: it was an important match off between the first and second in the table. Real Madrid was hosting Valencia Basket, which are two teams who are in a strong form currently and with different European midweek results behind them.
Madrid came in on a high with their dominant EuroLeague win against Barcelona, while Valencia had suffered a narrow loss earlier this week against Fernabahçe Beko. And as the game unfolded, that contrast slowly became visible on the court.
A shaky start for the home team
The opening quarter belonged fully to Valencia. Madrid looked uncharacteristically sloppy… With missed shots, overly rushed decisions, minimal rhythm on offense, and missing several early shots. Valencia, on the other hand, were extremely efficient. Players like Brancou Badio, Nate Reuvers, Xabi Lópex-Arostegui and Darius Thompson punished every mistake made by Real Madrid. Their shots were clean, sharp, and they took full advantage to open a 24-9 lead by the end of the first quarter.
From the stands, the difference was obvious: Valencia was playing with pure confidence, while Real Madrid seemed to be a little lost on their own court.
Second quarter: a mega loud arena
The second quarter marked the first real turning point, not just on the court but also in the stands. Madrid slowly began to settle, moving the ball better and finding easier scoring options closer to the basket. Gabriel Deck and Edy Taveres started to impose themselves inside, while Sergio Llull and Mario Hezonja gave Madrid some much needed scoring rhythm. As the home side gained a lot of momentum, the people in the stands followed.
As Madrid slowly chipped away at the deficit, the fans in the arena grew even louder. Every basket was louder, and every defensive stop more intense. By halftime, Real Madrid had completed the comeback, finishing the second quarter level at 43-43. And what looked like a one-sided start by Valencia had suddenly turned into an equal playing field.
Third quarter: Madrid take full control
This third quarter was fully about control. Defensive pressure increased immediately, forcing Valencia into tougher shots and limiting their early efficiency. Real Madrid came out much sharper, much more physical, and far more decisive.
Mario Hezonja was particularly influential during this stretch, scoring efficiently and leading the offensive push. Meanwhile, Facundo Campazzo controlled the tempo and ball movement. Madrid outscored Valencia heavily in this quarter, opening a 76-60 lead by the end of the third.
The noise in the arena never dipped, and at times it felt louder than when I would be inside the Bernabéu. Every defensive stop was met with applause, screams, and whistles. And it seemed like it helped the home team with their new confidence.
Ending with confidence
In the final quarter Madrid did exactly what they were supposed to do, stay calm and keep scoring their points. They managed a controlled tempo, making it very difficult for Valencia to come back in the game. The final score, 94-79, reflected how dominant Madrid were once they found their rhythm.
Mario Hezonja finished as Madrid’s top scorer, providing consistent offence when it mattered most, while Darius Thompson stood out for Valencia during their strongest stretches.
What I noticed as a beginner
What made this game for me so fascinating was not just that Real Madrid won, but how you can be built on momentum in basketball. I noticed this last time as well, but then I was a photographer, so naturally looking out for different things. This time, as editor, I looked at the game very differently. I noticed that Valencia was more efficient early on, but Madrid had the ability to turn it around and keep it that way.
The ambience is also much different than for example, a football match at the Bernabéu. It is indescribable how loud it was inside the arena, and don’t get me wrong, the Bernabéu gets loud too, but this was just continuous. Every quarter the home stands of Real Madrid were singing, screaming, making music, and having the best time. And as the arena is much smaller than a football stadium, it amplifies all the sounds even more.
What I do know, is that I really like the sport, how fast and dynamic it is. But I have also experienced that, while I understand what is happening on court, it’s much more difficult to write about it after as it goes just so fast. But that means I get to learn another new thing during this year abroad.
