Barça came close to a prestigious win at Anadolu Efes (74–73) in a hard-fought game where defence was key. Jan Vesely, unstoppable for long stretches and decisive in the closing minutes, led a team that competed, resisted and imposed its game for much of the night. Although the final play prevented the blaugranes from completing their effort, the performance leaves encouraging signs and the feeling that this Barça under returning coach Xavi Pascual has room to grow.

Vesely leads a strong start

Vesely scored on his first four offensive actions, proving unstoppable both from mid-range and near the rim, and also made his presence felt in defence. Satoransky and Parra added points and intensity to maintain the lead (15–19) after the first quarter.

Early in the second, Pascual turned to a deep rotation, giving minutes to the entire squad. Willy Hernangómez, Fall and Parra all contributed energy and kept the pace high. Willy was especially effective near the basket, including a three-point play that extended the lead (26–36).

Barça capitalised on Efes’ mistakes and punished in transition. Laprovittola added a three after good ball movement, and Cale stretched the gap with another. The final minutes before the break confirmed the team’s dominance: strong defence, control of the rebound and enough accuracy to stay over a ten-point margin as the first half ended 35–46.

Momentum shifts

Efes came out far more aggressive after the break, with Jordan Loyd becoming their main offensive threat. Barça held firm early on, but turnovers and fouls let Efes grow into the game, closing the third quarter with a run that cut the gap to 58–55.

Cruel ending

The final period opened with maximum balance and constant trade-offs. Willy, Shengelia and Brizuela all contributed, but Efes fed off their crowd and tightened the game. Every possession suddenly weighed heavily.

The key moment came with Vesely’s return: he scored twice in a row and then made a steal he finished himself, flipping the scoreboard (69–70). But in the final seconds, a very tight foul allowed Cordinier to put Efes ahead, and although Pascual designed a final play for Fall, but the ball never reached him, and Barça were beaten by a single point (74–73).

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MATCH STATS

ANADOLU EFES, 74
BARÇA, 73

Anadolu Efes: Loyd (13), Weller-Babb (12), Cordinier (14), Smits (7), Osmani (13), Hazer (0), Dessert (12), Swider (2), Mutaf (1), Jones (0)

Barça: Punter (5), Vesely (16), Satorasnky (8), Clyburn (3), Shengelia (4), Parra (6), Laprovittola (9), Fall (3), Hernangomez (10), Brizuela (3), Norris (0), Cale (6).

Periods: 18-19, 17-21 // 23-9, 16-18

Referees: Ilija Belosevic, Saulius Racys, Vassilis Pitsilkas

Força Barça