Chus Mateo said that Sergio Llull will not play in the remaining games of the Copa del Rey.

Credit: imago images/AgenciaLOF - Scanpix
Credit imago images/AgenciaLOF - Scanpix

Real Madrid defeated Valencia Basket in a thrilling game (86-85) to advance to the Spanish Cup semifinals. Despite the win, the Blancos could not fully celebrate it as Sergio Llull suffered an injury.

Sergio Llull

Sergio  Llull
Team: Real Madrid
Position: PG, SG
Age: 35
Height: 190 cm
Weight: 91 kg
Birth place: Menorca, Spain

The Spanish legend was fighting for a loose ball when Valencia's Klemen Prepelic dove for the ball at Llull's knee. Llull went to the bench and did not return throughout the rest of the game.

Real Madrid's head coach Chus Mateo confirmed in the post-game conference that Llull’s injury does not look well.

"We don't know the exact time he will be sidelined but he won't probably play in the semifinals. Actually, I don't see him playing in this Cup anymore", Mateo revealed.

Regarding the game, Mateo praised Gabriel Deck's performance. The Argentinian forward ended the game with 19 points and 9 rebounds for 26 PIR. He was clutch, making two important shots with under 3 minutes remaining in the game.

"He always works quietly and he's always ready when we need him. He is a first-class, [he's] an extraordinary player. Big heart," Mateo said.

Madrid managed to take over Valencia even though they lost the last three quarters. Mateo explained they expected that equality in the game.

"It has not been easy, obviously. They were in good shape. We had beaten them easily in the previous games but we knew it would be difficult," he began.

"We started playing our style, running and defending well, but we had some kind of anxiety in the second half because we were not able to get a bigger advantage. But we are in the semifinals, this is the most important right now," the coach concluded.

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