Neal Sako finally shows up for Valencia in victory against FC Barcelona
Liga Endesa - After quiet performances in his first two EuroLeague games, Neal Sako stepped up this Sunday for the first round 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 lackluster performances in EuroLeague, Neal Sako (6’11 », 26) used the matchup against FC Barcelona to truly kick off 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) in the first round of Liga Endesa. A nice progression for the former ASVEL player, within an impressive taronja collective showing great balance and intensity.
Valencia succeeds in their 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 could count on its deep roster: all players who entered the game scored, including the surprising Nate Reuvers (11 points) and point guard Omari Moore (9 points).
🏟️ El Roig Arena firma un estreno histórico en la #LigaEndesa… ¡1️⃣4️⃣.8️⃣1️⃣8️⃣ 𝔼𝕊ℙ𝔼ℂ𝕋𝔸𝔻𝕆ℝ𝔼𝕊! 🧡
Se convierte en el nuevo récord de asistencia en un estreno acb, superando en más de 2.000 personas el anterior récord del Bizkaia Arena (2006).
¡Espectacular,… pic.twitter.com/dYtjD59T8v
— Liga Endesa (@ACBCOM) October 5, 2025
Barça, without Nico Laprovittola, never found their rhythm. Despite efforts from 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-served 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 helped Valencia maintain pressure on Barcelona’s big men, starting with Jan Vesely and Willy Hernangómez, who were often overwhelmed. Youssoupha Fall only played 7 minutes, scoring 3 points with 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.
🔝Del partido de hoy, me quedo con NEAL SAKO.
13 PUNTOS
4 REBOTES
2 ASISTENCIAS
2 RECUPERACIONES➕️ Muy bien en defensa, y leyendo situaciones en ataque a partir del 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 their 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 game for Neal Sako and his teammates will be away, with the intention to continue this streak and establish 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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