The current Basque sports scene is focused on basketball, where Bilbao Basket begins the FIBA Europe Cup final this afternoon. The 'men in black' will face Greek team PAOK in Thessaloniki, replaying last season's final where they were crowned champions. A significant advantage for the Bilbao team is that, this time, the return leg will be played at home. Nearly 100 fans have traveled to Greece to support the team.
“"It doesn't matter now that we have been the best."
A player from the team has analyzed the final. Although he acknowledges that people consider them favorites as reigning champions, he remains cautious. "We are the champions, I think people think that, so we are favorites. We feel good, but we are playing against a very good team," he stated, highlighting that PAOK eliminated a strong opponent like Murcia. The player insisted that past performance does not guarantee success in the remaining 80 minutes of competition. "I think it's going to be a very, very complicated final," he noted. He also expressed his happiness at being able to compete for another title with the club.
In football, Athletic Club has achieved virtual safety after reaching 41 points with their victory against Osasuna. A goal by Gorka Guruzeta, following a great play by Nico Williams, and a stellar performance by Unai Simón, who saved a penalty, sealed the win. The coach described the match as an "exercise in survival" and urged focusing solely on the next opponent, Atlético de Madrid, without making long-term calculations.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad hosts Getafe with an eye on maximizing their Champions League options. The team is seven points behind fifth place. The coach assured that there would be no motivation problems. "We understand the importance of these last seven games. There are options for fifth place, which could be a Champions League spot for us, and we would like to attack that as well," he declared, adding that some players' preparation for the World Cup is another incentive.
The bitter side of the day is represented by Deportivo Alavés, who could fall into relegation spots for the first time this season. The team lost 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid, despite showing a better defensive image and hitting the post twice. The coach stated that the team emerged "defeated, but not damaged." The coach described the upcoming match at Mendizorroza against Mallorca as fundamental. "If you compete against the best, you will know you are capable of competing against the rest," he commented. He emphasized the importance of physical recovery for a duel he considers part of "our league." "We are in a very short league of 6 games and we are going to play them until the end with great determination," he concluded.
