What's Happening?
In the opening game of the second round of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Women competition, ZVVZ USK Praha secured a 64-55 victory over Galatasaray Çağdaş Faktoring, handing the previously undefeated team their first loss of the season. Despite lacking the star power of previous seasons, Praha's collective effort, led by Valeriane Ayayi, was instrumental in the win. Ayayi contributed 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Pauline Astier led the team with 13 points. The victory was marked by Praha's dominance in extra-effort categories, including points off turnovers and second-chance points. Galatasaray struggled with shooting, with key players like Marine Johannès failing to score.
Why It's Important?
This victory for Praha not only disrupts Galatasaray's
unbeaten run but also adds complexity to Group E standings in the EuroLeague Women competition. Galatasaray, entering the second round as favorites, now faces the risk of losing a bye to the Semi-Finals if they falter again. For Praha, this win demonstrates their ability to compete at a high level despite a less star-studded lineup, potentially altering the dynamics of the competition. The result also highlights the competitive nature of the EuroLeague Women, where any team can challenge the favorites, impacting team strategies and fan expectations.
What's Next?
As the second round progresses, Galatasaray will need to regroup and address their shooting inefficiencies to maintain their position as contenders. Praha, on the other hand, will aim to build on this momentum to secure a favorable position in the group standings. The outcome of future matches will be crucial in determining which teams advance to the Semi-Finals, with every game potentially altering the competitive landscape.
