It has already become almost symptomatic that for every major success of any Spanish team, the credit goes to players from Central or South America, and this time there is no doubt that it is Andres Feliz.
Given that he is from the Dominican Republic and a national team member of that country, we can immediately draw a parallel and say that Valencia produced the biggest surprise and reached the Final Four on the wings of their Dominican player, Jean Montero.
Bet of the Day: Olympiacos vs Real Madrid – Preview & Prediction (May. 24, 2026)
It was already clear before the game that the biggest headache for the still young Montero would be his national team teammate, Andres Feliz. That proved to be true during the game itself.
Real Madrid somehow reached the EuroLeague Final Four from the shadows, and then routinely defeated Valencia in the semifinal for another shot at the trophy and yet another confirmation of the fact that this team can absolutely never, at any moment, be written off or “forgotten.”
Baskonia, or at that time known as Tau Ceramica, achieved its greatest success with a whole gallery of South American players. We already mentioned Valencia and why they reached where they did, before ending their run in the semifinal, Barcelona also had plenty of them, and so did Real Madrid.
Hot South American blood has long been represented by Gabriel Deck, who once won the EuroLeague, Facundo Campazzo has lifted the trophy twice, Gustavo Ayon was there for many years and also won two titles, as did Andres Nocioni, who is strongly associated with Baskonia as well but won the title with Real Madrid, and now there is Andres Feliz, continuing that tradition.
Sergio Scariolo: Real Madrid’s story doesn’t start or end here
“We know how the final three years ago ended, when Sergio Llull hit that shot… Do you hope for the same thing?”
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) May 22, 2026
“We got 40 minutes in front of us, but obviously if we get the last ball, the number One is going to get it.”
Facundo Campazzo after the game for Basketball Sphere… pic.twitter.com/XEmO0GXjJV
X factor
Almost always before every game there is talk about who could be the X factor and the player who could tip the balance and bring victory to one team.
In the case of Real Madrid, Facundo Campazzo or Mario Hezonja cannot be classified in that category, because they are simply team leaders and players from whom a contribution is expected at all times, but even the greatest heroes always need a helper, just as Batman has Robin.
Andres Feliz came to Real Madrid somewhat quietly, through the back door, after playing for CB Prat in Catalonia, then spending three years at Joventut, before signing for the most decorated basketball club of all time.
His performance in the semifinal against Valencia, where he contributed 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and 3/4 from three-point range, cannot be measured by statistics alone, even though all these numbers in 20 minutes on the floor look excellent.
Mario Hezonja: Two giants are meeting
He neutralized the best opposing player, Jean Montero, as much as possible and held him to 6/16 shooting from the field. He was active on the boards, constantly pressured opposing ball handlers, and whenever he had an open shot, he knocked it down.
The game against Olympiacos will be even more demanding, because Feliz and his teammates must find a way to compensate for the absence of the entire frontcourt. Walter Tavares and Alex Len were already “out” before the Final Four, and Usman Garuba got injured against Valencia and will not play in the final.
Andres Feliz cannot help in that regard, but what this team needs from him is the same level of energy as in the semifinal, and for him, like a true Robin, to help his Batmans deliver a major surprise.
Olympiacos will have 99% of the support in the Telekom Center in Athens, they have no injured players, and they enter the game as heavy favorites, but if history has taught us anything, it is that Real Madrid can never, under any circumstances, be written off in advance.
Andres Feliz is definitely one of the reasons for that.
Time for the final.
Real Madrid vs Olympiacos, again: Who will win the EuroLeague title?
Former Real Madrid player Fabien Causeur took to social media platform X ahead of the EuroLeague final and sent a clear message about the “Royal Club.” 👀#F4GLORY pic.twitter.com/pBzLJuWyjp
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) May 23, 2026
