A classic by title

And, finally, the finale is a classic par excellence. From time to time, fortunately, other competitors appear (Baskonia, Unicaja, Valencia… At one time Joventut, Manresa, Estudiantes… Any time in the past was better here, who will think of Ramiro). But it has been a big bet of the ACB League for many years, a guarantee of the largest audience and the front pages of the football newspapers of two big cities if their team wins. Two clubs of global dimension and, what is really important to us, two great teams.

Fortunately, although you never know in sports, a long series follows, with terrain factor in favor of the Catalans, something that can be decisive, taking into account recent precedents, although this has not always been the case. These are two teams full of talent and a lot of experience, with doubled positions and everything needed to win: top point guards, outside lines with defensive capacity, shooting, one-on-one, jumping ability and playing with your back to the ball, hoop, fours which open the field and powerful fives, terrifying and decisive in the material, and especially in the immaterial, so decisive so many times. Collectively, there is the ability to play on the move, excellent passing and blocking quality, multiple options, solvency in positional play in midfield and well-structured defences.

Both want and can win. For Barcelona, ​​it is an imperative need, because a season without a title is not really justified for such an investment. For Real Madrid, after great success in the Euroleague, including an epic comeback, it would be the icing on the cake of a great campaign. Two contrasting styles of management and leadership on the benches, and a lot of players to decide. For a reason, they are the real protagonists of the game, their owners, the ones who decide when the referee takes the jump shot. First of all, Eddy Tavares, the deciding factor. I’ve only seen a team capable of minimizing this rate: Breogan, in an unforgettable match at Paz, setting up many obstacles and forcing him to score every basket. It’s time to enjoy the great finale. May the best win.