Valencia’s struggle for first place fails: This is how the EuroLeague standings remain

Valencia Basketball had a chance to take the sole lead in the EuroLeague after starting Round 21 tied for first with Hapoel Tel Aviv (14-6), but the Israeli team will not be participating as the match against Paris Basketball has been postponed until March 3. However, Pedro Martínez’s side missed out on that opportunity as they suffered their first defeat of the season to AS Monaco (92-101) with spectators in attendance at the Roig Arena. The win moved Vasilis Spanoulis’ team into second place from Valencia, who currently sit third.

Real Madrid fared better, hosting Maccabi Tel Aviv behind closed doors in the stands of the Movistar Arena, just like Barça on Tuesday. Although the white team suffered more than expected, they fought the duel against the Hebrew team. Oded Katash’s team dominated for many minutes in the first half, but lost momentum to the white team led by Mario Hezonja and Edie Tavares, eventually winning 98-86 and reaffirming their sixth place.

Barça know that after losing to Fenerbahce in Dubai today, they can move up one place from fifth to fourth with a win against Fenerbahce this Friday.