They fought to the end, but the FC Barcelona basketball team ended up going down 83-78 away to Dubai. Both sides were on top for spells during the game, but the home side ended up maintaining their unbeaten home record. The game was also notable for Satoransky featuring for the blaugranes for the 400th time and some special spectators watching on from courtside, namely Iniesta, Lorenzo and Badosa.

Grew into the game

Dubai dominated the first quarter, making the most of inside superiority and early mistakes in attack by Barça. The blaugranes were missing shots and rebounds, and the home side quickly went 11-5 up, before taking a nine point lead into the second quarter (24-15).

All change from Barça in the second, as they passed better and started to eat into the lead. Triples and good inside play eventually saw them take the lead close to half time, which they held to leave everything to play for after the break (33-34).

Defeat in Dubai

Barça started the second half somewhat up and down, having problem scoring and making errors in attack, which Dubai took full advantage of to go back into the lead. The blaugranes had moments of brilliance, with triples and individual quality that kept them in touch, but the home side responded quickly every time, using their inside superiority on key points.

The blaugranes attempted to come back in the final quarter, but an inspired Petrusev and Bacon kept Dubai at arm's length. A final push and a key triple by Brizuela brought it back to four with seconds to go, but the comeback ultimately stalled.

Final score 83-78 on the first visit for Barça to Dubai. Next up, a trip to Malaga on 19 October to play Unicaja (7.00pm CEST) for the third domestic league fixture.

GAME STATS

DUBAI BASKETBALL 83
BARÇA 78

Dubai Basketball: Wright (11), Prepelic (6), Bacon (20), Petrusev (23), Kabengele (10) - starting five - Abass (2), Bertans (11), Anderson (-), Armstrong (-), Kamenjas (-)

Barça: Satoransky (3), Punter (2), Clyburn (7), Shengelia (19), Keita (2) - starting five - Juani Marcos (6), Cale (-), Norris (2), Vesely (9), Brizuela (19), Hernangomez (2), Parra (7).

Quarters: 24-15, 9-19 // 25-22, 25-22

Referees: Ilija Belosevic, Uros Nikolic, Michele Rossi

Força Barça