Valencia Basket opens the Roig Arena in basketball mode with the visit of Virtus Bologna

Valencia Basket men first team will play the first official basketball game at the Roig Arena, hosting a European basketball giant in Virtus Bologna (Friday 3, 8:30 p.m., Roig Arena, Movistar Plus+) in a matchup corresponding to Round 2 of the EuroLeague. After starting the season with three games away from home and returning to Valencia with the trophy from the Supercopa Endesa and a valuable victory in Lyon in the opening round of the continental competition, Pedro Martínez’s men will make their home debut in what will be the new stage for their games. The support of their fans will be a key factor, serving as an extra boost of energy as they face their fourth game in just over six days, with the squad still missing Xabi López-Arostegui, Jean Montero, Brancou Badio, and Yankuba Sima, and with only twelve professional players available to complete the roster. The “taronja” team holds a positive home record against this opponent (4-1) and has won every EuroLeague matchup against them played in our city. Valencia Basket heads into this second round in 10th place in the top continental competition, with a 1-0 record.

Virtus Bologna began its season with a 74-68 home victory over Real Madrid, which places them in 8th position in the standings as they arrive at the Roig Arena. The Italian side delivered one of the best defensive performances of the opening round and, despite losing key pieces from its system, has strengthened with last season’s EuroLeague top scorer Marcus Edwards, Alen Smailagić, and one of the breakout stars of the last EuroBasket—forward Saliou Niang—who had an excellent competition debut, finishing as his team’s most valuable player. Coach Duško Ivanović will have his full roster available, except for forward Nicola Akele.

Rosters

REFEREES: Sasa Pukl, Milan Nedovic, Arturas Sukys