Real Madrid is preparing for yet another EuroLeague Final Four appearance, the fourth in the last five seasons, as the Spanish powerhouse heads to Athens with ambitions of reclaiming the continental crown.
One of the constants throughout that stretch has been forward Alberto Abalde, who once again finds himself competing on Europe’s biggest stage.
Ahead of the semifinal clash against Valencia Basket, Abalde spoke to Eurohoops about Real Madrid’s demanding season, the club’s transformation under coach Sergio Scariolo, his connection with Valencia, and what it means to return to another Final Four.
The pressure that comes with the Real Madrid jersey
Abalde emphasized that expectations are always at the highest possible level when playing for Real Madrid, especially in a competition as demanding as the EuroLeague.
“The highest level of expectation is simply what this jersey demands from you: to fight until the very end for every title. Reaching the Final Four is incredibly difficult. It’s such a long season, and the EuroLeague gets tougher every single year.”
The Spanish forward also described this campaign as the toughest of his career due to the overall level across Europe and the intensity required to reach the Final Four.
“This year has been the toughest season I’ve ever played. There are unbelievable teams. Finishing in the top four to secure home-court advantage is extremely difficult, and then making that advantage count in the playoffs is complicated as well.”
Growth under Sergio Scariolo
Following a summer filled with changes, Real Madrid needed time to adapt to a new structure, new players, and a different system under Scariolo. According to Abalde, patience and gradual improvement were key factors behind the team’s rise.
“We knew we were going through a medium-term growth process. With Sergio arriving, we had many changes: a new playing system, a new defensive structure, new players… and all of that takes time.”
He also highlighted how the team slowly developed chemistry and became increasingly difficult to beat as the season progressed.
“I think the team has gradually improved, we’ve started understanding each other better, and we’ve developed the automatisms needed to become a difficult team to beat and to reach the position we’re in now.”
A Final Four changes everything
For Abalde, once a team reaches the Final Four, everything else throughout the season suddenly fades into the background because the focus shifts entirely toward competing for the title.
“Honestly, when you reach a EuroLeague Final Four, you don’t think too much about what came before or what comes after. In that moment, the world stops there.”
The Real Madrid forward stressed that the only thing that matters now is being fully prepared for the opportunity ahead.
“Having the opportunity to be there and fight for a title like the EuroLeague is something unique. We’re focused only on being present, making every adjustment possible after all the roster changes and injuries we’ve had.”
Respect and affection for Valencia Basket
Despite preparing to face Valencia in the semifinal, Abalde made it clear that he still holds strong affection for his former club, where he spent three seasons earlier in his career.
“Valencia is simply an unbelievable team. It’s a club I have a lot of affection for. I spent three years there, and it’s a club that has been constantly growing.”
He also praised Valencia’s historic playoff comeback against Panathinaikos B.C. and the style of basketball they have played this season.
“They finished second while playing a style of basketball that has made everyone pay attention. What they achieved against Panathinaikos, winning three straight after losing the first two games, was incredible.”
Abalde knows Madrid will need one of its best performances of the season to advance to the final.
“They’re a fantastic team and a very tough opponent. We’re going to have to play extremely well to beat them.”
Memories from his first Final Four
Although this will already be Abalde’s fourth Final Four appearance with Real Madrid in five years, he admitted that the emotions from his first experience in Belgrade still stand out the most.
“I remember being extremely nervous in the first one, which was in Belgrade. The first time really hits you, the tension and the magnitude of the moment.”
He added that every Final Four feels special because players never know if they will get another opportunity to compete for the EuroLeague title.
“You never know if you’ll get back there again. Only the very best earn the opportunity to play in a Final Four, and it’s a real privilege to wear this jersey and fight for this title.”
Full focus on the semifinal
Even though many are already discussing potential final matchups, Abalde insisted that Real Madrid is focused entirely on the semifinal battle against Valencia Basket.
“We already have more than enough work ahead of us with our semifinal against Valencia. They’re an unbelievable team, and we’re going to have to be at a very high level to beat them.”
The Spanish forward concluded by making it clear that Madrid’s attention remains solely on its own side of the bracket.
“Our entire focus is on our side of the bracket, and whatever happens on the other side will happen.”
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