It was not easy but FC Barcelona took victory in the Palau Blaugrana by 74-72 in the Euroleague against Italian side Olimpia Milano. Clyburn, Satoransky, Punter and Vesely were all vital in a third quarter performance that turned the game in Barça's favour after the visitors had dominated the first half. 

Come from behind

After conceding seven points with no replay early on, the blauganes fought back to 13-12 down after just seven minutes. However, the Italians pressed home their advantage to lead 19-14 at the end of the first quarter. 

Barça needed to improve but continued erratic shooting allowed Milano an 11 point lead after 19 minutes, the visitors 41-30 ahead. Two three pointers just before half time brought Joan Peñarroya's team into the contest as they trailed by just five at the break at 41-36.

Change of script 

Into the third quarter and soon Barça were just a point behind at 45-44 thanks to more aggression both on offense and defence. Vesely started to make a difference and Clyburn and Punter also contributed to bring the blaugranes back in front at 57-56 after 27 minutes. 

Barça were three points up going into the final quarter which was dominated by both defences. Milano came back to level things up at 65-65 and than again when Barça's four point lead was wiped out at 69-69. 

Vesely's rebound and Clyburn's points turned the game in Barça's favour at 73-69 and the blaugranes managed to hold on for a hard fought win at 74-72 to take an important win ahead of Friday's trip to Belgrade to take on Partizan. 

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    MATCH STATS

    Barça, 74
    Olimpia Milano, 72

    Barça Satoransky (11), Punter (13), Clyburn (17), Shengelia (11) and Vesely (14) -starting five- Willy Hernangómez (3), Parra (2), Brizuela (-), Marcos (-), Cale (-) and Norris (3)
    Olimpia Milano: Ellis (6), Booker (11), Bolmaro (10), Ricci (5) and Shields (12) -starting five- Brooks (15), Guduric (3), Dunston (8), Sestina (2) and Mannion (-)

    Força Barça