The EuroLeague final four was a thriller. Real Madrid aced Olympiacos with an 87-76 win, and Panathinaikos won 73-57 against Fenerbahce. Real Madrid will be playing against Panathinaikos in the finals scheduled for May 26, 2024.
Last night, the spotlight was on one man, Rudy Fernandez, as his illustrious career is coming to an end. This game was a testament to his enduring legacy, where he showcased his leadership. He did not play that much, but his presence on the court for the five minutes he was on made a difference.
In the five minutes and 32 seconds he played, he carried his team, encouraging his teammates to continue with the fight as they were fading away and Olympiacos was catching up. He did not deliver the best performance or score points that mattered, but he pushed his teammates to keep fighting.
Rudy has not always been a top scorer, but his presence has always made a difference. Fernandez has consistently been a well-rounded player. making valuable contributions to the team. His ability to rebound, assist, steal, and block shots has been instrumental for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid: The Final
The final is going to be the Clash of the Titans. As it approaches, Rudy is preparing to play his last game in the EuroLeague and club basketball competitions. He will be performing his last dance for Real Madrid, and this one will be special as he will be giving it his all.
Real Madrid, the title holders, will be fighting to retain the coveted trophy. In the last three meetings with Panathinaikos, they have won two. However, Panathinaikos should not be underestimated, as they have come a long way to be here. It is going to be a hard fight for Rudy and his teammates. His experience and versatility will be needed, as he will be one to watch as he leads his team for the last time.
In the EuroLeague 2023 final, Rudy was instrumental for his team as they won against Olympiacos 79-78. He played for 16 minutes, had two rebounds, two assists, and scored three points. This was the third time Rudy won the EuroLeague trophy.
If Real Madrid wins this one, it will be Rudy's fourth EuroLeague title, and it would be the best farewell a legend can get. He will be among the 11 players who have won this title four times.
In the 2022 final, Madrid lost the final but were beaten by Anadolu by one point, 58-57. Rudy demonstrated his leadership and commanded his team to a stellar performance, but Anadolu had a better run. He played for 18 minutes and scored two points, assisted twice, and had two rebounds.
This year's final will not only be about winning the EuroLeague; it will also be a night to celebrate a legacy. Real Madrid fans will be cheering for Fernandez as he takes his final bow. Real Madrid are one game away from the coveted EuroLeague trophy, and Fernandez is there with them to defend it.
About the Author
Wopicho is a Ugandan writer with a passion for football. His support for both Manchester United and
the African giant Al Ahly runs deep. And his love for the African game found its voice in FootyAfrica. He is the founder and main contributor to the blog. It remains dedicated to showcasing the continent's talented players, electrifying atmosphere, and rising stars. Wopicho brings African football to life for fans worldwide.