Barça were unable to compete in a game that Panathinaikos blew open in the second quarter. The defeat further complicates their chances of direct qualification for the EuroLeague play-offs, but the team have no option but to turn the page and focus on the final two games of the regular season.

Short-handed at point guard

The situation was already tricky before tip-off. With Satoransky unavailable, and alongside the already known absences of Laprovittola and Juan Núñez, the only natural point guard available was Juani Marcos. Even so, and without excuses, Barça approached the game with the importance it deserved.

2026-04-07_FCBBASQUETvsPANATHINAIKOS_110

Holding out

From the outset, both the Catalans and the Greeks showed very high intensity, but for Barça this was not matched by accuracy. Despite creating good shooting opportunities, they failed to convert, while Osman was unstoppable, allowing Panathinaikos to pull away (12–22). However, the second unit improved efficiency, and with a three from Cale and two from Norris, the first period ended competitively and on an upward trend (23–27).

Overcome

But the second quarter belonged to the Greens. The introduction of veteran Sloukas broke the game open with six consecutive points. And despite three-pointers from Parra and a very energetic Norris, the Greeks remained unfazed. Their machine kept producing, and after a damaging run before halftime, the game went into the break virtually decided (38–55).

The second half became an exercise in trying and failing to get back into the game. Barça, full of effort, repeatedly ran into a very composed opponent who, through organisation and talent, stretched the lead to +31 going into the final quarter. With nothing left to play for but pride, Barça managed to reduce the deficit in the closing minutes, leaving the final score at 79–93. With two games remaining in the regular season, Barça now sit on a 20-16 record.

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    MATCH STATS

    Barça: 79
    Panathinaikos: 93

    Barça: Juani Marcos (2), Punter (10), Clyburn (10), Shengelia (10), Vesely, Brizuela (2), Cale (10), Norris (15), Hernangómez (2), Fall (-), Kusturica (-) & Parra (18).

    Panathinaikos: Nunn (14), Grant (2), Osman (21), Juancho Hernangómez (12), Lessort (10), Shorts (6), Kalaitzakis (-), Sloukas (12), Hayes-Davis (14), Faried (0), Grigonis (0) & Mitoglou (2). 

    Periods: 23-27, 15-28, 11-25, 30-13.

    Referees: Robert Lottermoser, Olegs Latisevs & Manuel Attard.

    Força Barça