Atlético Madrid se impone a Real Sociedad y Valencia Basket defiende fuerte la segunda plaza en Liga Endesa

In an exciting match played at the Wanda Metropolitano for LaLiga’s matchday 27, Atlético de Madrid staged a comeback to secure a 3-2 victory over Real Sociedad. Striker Sörloth opened the scoring in the 4th minute, but Carlos Soler equalized for the visitors just four minutes later. Atlético’s resilience showed later with two goals from Nico González in the 66th and 80th minutes, sealing the win for Diego Simeone’s side.

Statistically, it was a very even match in terms of possession (52.2% for Atlético and 47.8% for Real Sociedad) and clear chances, with Atlético recording 21 shots compared to just 4 for Real Sociedad. Goalkeeper Oblak made a crucial save to preserve the result. This victory provides a significant boost for Atlético in their LaLiga campaign.

Shifting to basketball, Liga Endesa continues with an emotion-packed matchday 21. Valencia Basket prepares to defend their second-place standing against UCAM Murcia in a decisive clash at the Roig Arena. The taronja arrive with added confidence following their recent EuroLeague victory over Zalgiris Kaunas but are aware of the challenge posed by UCAM Murcia, who defeated them 92-80 in the first leg.

Pedro Martínez will have his full squad available, needing to make three technical cuts to comply with regulations. Meanwhile, UCAM Murcia enters the game with only the injured Kaiser Gates sidelined. The Murcia-based team excels particularly in rebounding, ranking second behind Valencia Basket, and leads in defensive captures. Player Sander Raieste stands out with 4.7 defensive rebounds per game.

A key aspect of the match will be perimeter defense, as UCAM Murcia ranks second in reducing opponents’ field goal efficiency (49.3%) and limits them to just 26.2% of points from three-point range—a defensive record in Liga Endesa. In the first-leg duel, Valencia Basket shot only 30% from three (9 of 30).

Additionally, center Devontae Cacok arrives in excellent form and is UCAM Murcia’s highest-rated player, having been February’s MVP in Liga Endesa with impressive stats: 22.7 points on 72.7% two-point shooting, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1 steal, and 6 fouls drawn, totaling 27 valuation credits. UCAM Murcia’s top scorer is David DeJulius, seventh in the league with 15.2 points per game and one of the best three-point shooters (2.3 threes per game at 38.7% accuracy). Dylan Ennis complements the team with 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.

The match will benefit from strong local support at the Roig Arena, a factor that has been pivotal for Valencia Basket, who have lost only once at home in Liga Endesa this season. UCAM Murcia will also be backed by a significant away following, with around 400 fans in attendance, following their standout presence at the recent Copa del Rey in Valencia.

In another sporting realm, Liga Iberdrola kicked off strongly in its first qualifying round with Club Ritmo defending their 2025 title and presenting strong credentials for a repeat success. The León-based team dominated the competition in Valencia with 149.800 points, surpassing the second-placed team by over three points and highlighting standout performances from gymnasts like Marta Pérez, Claudia Alonso, and Flavia García. Coach Ruth Fernández remarked: «It’s a pride to see our gymnasts’ attitude—they don’t know how to compete without giving 100% of what they have.»

This blend of football and basketball in Spain these days underscores the competitiveness and passion of the leagues, with Atlético Madrid seeking to solidify their LaLiga position, Valencia Basket preparing for one of Liga Endesa’s most thrilling clashes, and Club Ritmo asserting itself as a benchmark in national rhythmic gymnastics.