Carlos Cantero's team already has a 2-0 record after overcoming Basket Landes in a close opening game at the Príncipe Felipe (76-75) and defeating Athinaikos away from home (78-89). The two victories put the red-and-black side in a strong starting position: they lead their group alongside the surprising Kibirkstis Vilnius, who will be their next opponent in Europe. Although the record may seem easy to achieve, the reality of the competition shows that it is not.
Valencia Basket's case helps explain why. The Taronja side, which has a deep roster featuring quality and experienced players, has yet to record a win in the EuroLeague. They lost 69-88 to reigning continental champions Fenerbahçe in their debut, and then suffered another defeat in the second round, falling 63-77 at home to France's Flammes Carolo. Two results that reflect the difficulty of a competition in which every game presents a different challenge.
Cantero's team leads its group alongside Lithuania's Kibirkstis Vilnius. Photo: FIBA
The defeat to Fenerbahçe may have been expected, as it came against one of the leading title favorites and the current dominant force in European basketball. But the setback against the French side in the Valencian capital confirmed the Taronja team's poor start, and they must react as soon as possible if they are to have any chance of reaching the EuroLeague Final Six in the future.
TWO VICTORIES THAT MEAN A LOT
Against that backdrop, Casademont's start becomes even more valuable. The Aragonese side has found a way to win two demanding games with very different characteristics. Against Basket Landes, and almost miraculously, Cantero's players managed to tie a game they had practically lost before taking it in overtime. In Greece, after building a significant lead, they had to withstand Athinaikos' reaction before eventually closing out the game by 11 points.
Even so, a 2-0 record does not mean Casademont's work is done or that the rest of the journey will be easier. However, it does mean they have taken advantage of their first two opportunities in a group stage in which every result counts, as results from the first round carry over into the second round of the competition. Starting with wins therefore allows the red-and-black club to approach the next rounds with confidence and the knowledge that they can adapt to the different European scenarios they will face.
