A historic record for Theo Maledon, but a seventh straight defeat for ASVEL
March 20, 2025
Alexandre Lacoste
ASVEL suffers 7 straight EuroLeague losses: « It’s inconceivable to give up matches »
EuroLeague - ASVEL suffered its seventh consecutive EuroLeague defeat Thursday night on Real Madrid's court. Despite a late surge, Pierric Poupet's men, who fell behind early, were never able to threaten the Spanish team.
Photo Credit : Julie Dumélié
Already defeated six times in a row in EuroLeague, ASVEL hoped to show a different face on Real Madrid’s court this Thursday evening. But the Villeurbanne team exploded from the first minutes against the Spanish giant, conceding a massive deficit in the first quarter (32-10). A gap they could never close, despite a pride-driven comeback late in the game.
A nightmare first quarter in Madrid
At the Movistar Arena, ASVEL quickly realized it would be a long night. Overwhelmed from the start, the Rhone team conceded an initial 15-0 run, before ending the first quarter with the decisive score of 32-10. In terms of evaluation, Real Madrid already showed +49 against ASVEL’s -3, led by an unstoppable Walter Tavares (14 points and 19 in evaluation in less than 7 minutes).
Despite a gradual comeback in the second quarter (17-5 to return to 42-29), ASVEL never seemed capable of turning the tide. Theo Maledon, back in action and setting a free throw record, tried to spark a reaction, but it was too late.
Theo Maledon, record holder against Real Madrid, one of the teams courting him
March 21, 2025
Lilian Bordron
Pierric Poupet disappointed with his players’ start
After the game, Coach Pierric Poupet didn’t mince words in Le Progrès: « When you start with so little energy, it’s difficult to be competitive in Madrid. Real wasn’t exceptional at the start, but we were far below what we can offer. »
He particularly pointed out the lack of commitment from his interior players against the Cape Verdean giant Tavares:
« We should have opposed much more and respected certain things. Have the guys given up in EuroLeague? I avoid asking myself that question. The staff hasn’t given up. It’s inconceivable, in my opinion, to give up EuroLeague games. »
Focus on Monaco to bounce back in Betclic ELITE
With this new defeat (81-70), ASVEL slips further into the bottom of the EuroLeague standings. There are now four games left to play in the competition. For Pierric Poupet, it’s imperative to « show the best image of everyone » and « offer better things. »
The Villeurbanne team headed to Nice immediately afterward, ahead of their next big challenge: facing Monaco, who just defeated Fenerbahçe, in Betclic ELITE.
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