Already a trophy for Neal Sako with Valencia, former Strasbourg player dominates the final
Sept. 29, 2025
Alexandre Lacoste
Neal Sako finally shows his worth with Valencia in victory against FC Barcelona
Liga Endesa - After being quiet in his first two EuroLeague appearances, Neal Sako stepped up this Sunday for the first matchday of Liga Endesa. The French center scored 13 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in Valencia Basket's victory against FC Barcelona (93-81), in a packed Roig Arena.
Photo Credit : acb Photo/Aitor Arrizabalaga
After two unremarkable performances in EuroLeague, Neal Sako (2.10 m, 26 years old) used the matchup against FC Barcelona to truly kickstart his season with Valencia. In 18 minutes, the French big man delivered a solid performance (13 points on 5/6 shooting, 4 rebounds and 2 assists) contributing to his team’s victory (93-81) on the opening day of Liga Endesa. A nice progression for the former ASVEL player, within an impressive taronja collective showing great balance and intensity.
Valencia succeeds in first Liga Endesa game at Roig Arena
This Sunday, the 14,818 spectators at the brand new Roig Arena witnessed a great night of basketball. Led by a masterful Darius Thompson (16 points, 25 PIR), Valencia dominated FC Barcelona almost from start to finish. Coach Pedro Martínez‘s team relied on its roster depth: every player who entered the game scored, including the surprising Nate Reuvers (11 points) and point guard Omari Moore (9 points).
Barça, playing without Nico Laprovittola, never found its rhythm. Despite the efforts of Will Clyburn (16 points) and Joel Parra (12), the Catalans were overwhelmed by Valencia’s energy. The crowd erupted when Brancou Badio, who was questionable to play, hit a three-pointer followed by a spectacular block on Khalifa Diop.
Neal Sako, a growing role in the paint
Used sparingly in two EuroLeague games this week (0 points against ASVEL, 2 points against Virtus Bologna), Neal Sako fully seized his opportunity this time. Well-fed by his perimeter players, particularly by Sergio De Larrea, the French center showcased his power and efficiency (5/6 shooting). His activity in the paint allowed Valencia to maintain pressure on Barcelona’s big men, starting with Jan Vesely and Willy Hernangómez, who were often overwhelmed. Youssoupha Fall played only 7 minutes, recording 3 points and 3 rebounds.
This performance comes at the right time for Sako, who is discovering the Spanish league this season with Valencia. His contribution could quickly become valuable in the interior rotation.
🔝From today’s game, I’m impressed with NEAL SAKO.
13 POINTS
4 REBOUNDS
2 ASSISTS
2 STEALS➕ Very good on defense, and reading situations in attack from P&R.
📸 @Rociojorda @RacoTaronja pic.twitter.com/Pr0AXyObld
— amunt_valencia_basket (@amunt_vbc) October 5, 2025
Valencia starts strong in 2025-2026 season
After winning the Spanish Supercup, Valencia confirms its excellent start to the season. The victory against Barcelona (93-81) extends a positive momentum marked by a solid collective and rigorous defense. The Roig Arena, officially inaugurated on Friday, couldn’t have dreamed of a better Liga Endesa debut.
The next appointment for Neal Sako and his teammates will be away, with the aim of continuing this streak and establishing themselves as one of the contenders for the Top 4 in the Spanish championship.
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve est le fondateur et rédacteur en chef de BeBasket, qu’il anime depuis 2010 (sous le nom de Catch & Shoot). Passé par l’Ecole Publique de Journaliste de Tours, puis deux universités en Amérique du Nord, il a pu développer son expertise sur le basket français, de la Ligue Nationale aux divisions amateurs, durant ces 20 dernières années. En parallèle, il est aussi engagé dans le développement de clubs du côté de Montpellier.
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