Valencia, Spain – October 3, 2025 – The grand unveiling of the Roig Arena, a magnificent new temple for basketball, was marked by an electrifying EuroLeague showdown that saw Valencia Basket claim a decisive 103-94 victory over Italian powerhouse Virtus Bologna. For the home side, it was a dream debut in their new 15,000-seat home, named after club patron Juan Roig. For Virtus, fresh off a triumphant season opener against Real Madrid, this defeat served as an abrupt, albeit insightful, reality check.
A Night of New Beginnings and Unyielding Offense
The air in Valencia was thick with anticipation as fans flocked to witness history. Virtus Bologna, often dubbed the “Vu Nere” (Black Vs), arrived with confidence, having dispatched EuroLeague giants Real Madrid just days prior. However, Valencia, undeterred by their opponents` recent form, brought an offensive dynamism that proved too much to handle, particularly in their sparkling new home.
Coach Dusko Ivanovic of Virtus had, prophetically, stressed the critical importance of defensive tenacity pre-game. Yet, the Taronja, or “Oranges” as Valencia are known, painted a different picture, closing the night with an impressive 67% accuracy from two-point range and a relentless pace that often left the Italian defense scrambling.
Young Talent Takes Center Stage
The game`s narrative was significantly shaped by the dazzling performance of Valencia`s 19-year-old sensation, De Larrea. Nearing his 20th birthday in December, the Spanish guard showcased maturity beyond his years, sinking 23 points, including a remarkable 5-for-7 from beyond the arc. His ability to consistently find the basket, often seemingly effortlessly, became a recurring nightmare for Bologna.
Adding to Valencia`s long-range assault was Italian national player Darius Thompson, who proved to be a second-half tormentor for his compatriots. Thompson contributed 13 points, nailing 3 of his 4 three-point attempts, ensuring that every time Virtus threatened to close the gap, Valencia had an answer ready.
For Virtus, the valiant effort of Matt Morgan stood out. The 27-year-old American guard led all scorers with 24 points, a testament to his individual brilliance in a losing cause. Fellow guard Edwards chipped in with 15 points, showing flashes of his offensive prowess, especially in the opening quarter.
A Rollercoaster Battle: Runs and Rebounds
The game unfolded in a series of dramatic shifts. Virtus began with purpose, Edwards leading an early charge that saw them match Valencia blow-for-blow. However, the first cracks appeared late in the opening quarter as Valencia nudged ahead 26-23.
The second quarter saw Bologna`s woes deepen. An 8-second violation by Taylor seemed to signal a collective lapse, allowing Valencia to surge into a double-digit lead (37-25). Moore`s aggressive forays to the basket were particularly effective during this period. Yet, Virtus, propelled by Morgan`s scoring, refused to fold, battling back to a respectable 49-46 deficit by halftime.
The “Vu Nere” found themselves in a similar chase after the interval. Darius Thompson caught fire, his clutch threes fueling an 11-0 Valencia run that re-established a 12-point advantage (60-48). Despite spirited attempts from Edwards and even a brief positive impact from Diarra, who helped reduce the gap to three points (66-63), Valencia`s momentum, largely orchestrated by De Larrea`s unstoppable scoring, never truly wavered. The fourth quarter saw the hosts maintain their double-digit lead, ultimately cruising to a memorable victory.
A significant factor in Virtus`s downfall was their struggle on the boards, being outrebounded 40-27, and notably conceding 15 offensive rebounds. This allowed Valencia too many second-chance opportunities, a luxury a high-scoring team rarely squanders.
The Road Ahead: A Taste of EuroLeague Reality
While the defeat might sting, it offers Virtus Bologna valuable lessons early in the EuroLeague season. The intensity and depth required to compete at this level are unforgiving, and even promising starts can quickly turn into challenging nights. For Valencia, the victory is a powerful statement, not just inaugurating their new arena in style, but also signaling their intent in a highly competitive league.
As the Roig Arena celebrated its inaugural win, Virtus Bologna now turns its attention back to domestic duties, hosting Napoli in the Italian championship on Monday. The EuroLeague journey is long, and this early stumble is merely another chapter in what promises to be an eventful season for the “Vu Nere.”
