Valencia makes history, Pedro Martínez celebrates: “It is a day we will always remember”

Valencia Basket made history. Pedro Martínez’s team defeated Panathinaikos 81-64 in Game 5, completing a 3-2 comeback after trailing 0-2 in the series, and reached the EuroLeague Final Four for the first time ever. At the Roig Arena, it was a night of defense, energy and total connection with the fans.

Pedro Martínez described the emotion of the win: “The atmosphere was impressive, we felt very comfortable. It is a day that, even as the years go by, we will remember, because it gives us qualification but also because of the feelings we had throughout the day.” Then he added: “With this kind of communion, it is very difficult to lose.”

The coach spoke about the city’s excitement: “It was a great party. I walk a lot in the streets and this week has been impressive. People who used to pass by and say nothing showed incredible excitement. It moved me, because it means the team is transmitting something. Making those people happy is a very beautiful goal.”

Martínez also mentioned the people behind the club and Juan Roig: “I am very happy to see the club workers, Juan Roig and his family enjoying this, because they are the main architects of all this.” On the game, he said: “We had pressure, but we handled it well. The team was very focused, nothing took it out of the game.”

Valencia built the win with a near-perfect defensive first half, leading 35-23 at the break, and then survived Panathinaikos’ third-quarter push. In the decisive stretch, big shots from Thompson and De Larrea reopened the gap. Brancou Badio scored 20 points, Jean Montero added 12, and Braxton Key had 12 while playing with a protective mask.

“I highlight the great concentration of the players throughout the series, how we adjusted and how they adapted,” Martínez added. “Playing as a team gave us a lot in the whole series, because they are probably better than us one-on-one.” On Montero, he said: “The day he scored the fewest points is the day I think he played his best game.”

The coach refused to answer Ergin Ataman’s comments about free throws: “We are in the Final Four, it is impressive, a great success for the club and for all the people who worked for this. We are very happy.” Now comes a semifinal against Real Madrid: “Let’s see if we can be competitive against a team that has been hurting us lately.” But this night belongs to Valencia: the taronja club has completed the dream.