Zenit v Barça: A cruel outcome (74-70)

Barça started the match well, going ahead 2-10 in the first four minutes thanks to two good three pointers from Higgins and Abrines. The lead was extended to 10 points (9-19), but seven unanswered points for the locals, culminating with a triple by former Barça player Pangos, saw the first quarter end 16-19.

Equality

The second quarter was a constant exchange of baskets, with neither team able to fully dominate. By half-time, Barça were still ahead by three (35-38).

The trend continued in the third quarter with Barça always ahead but unable to put any distance between themselves and Zenit. Just one point separated the sides going into the fourth quarter (54- 55).

Comeback

Barça paid for their lack of success at the basket in the final 10 minutes, the Russians going ahead for the first time. There was still all to play for going into the last few minutes, however, Barça were unable to claw back the points needed and tasted bitter defeat in the first European away game of the season.

Match Details

Zenit, 74
Barça, 70

Zenit: Pangos (15), Fridzon (-), Rivers (11), Will Thomas (10), Poythreess (16) -starters-. Zakharov (-), Volkhin (-), Baron (16), Zubkov (2), Ponitka (4).
Barça: Calathes (9), Higgins (7), Abrines (11), Mirotic (14), Oriola (-) -starters-. Davies (8), Hanga (2), Bolmaro (2), Smits (7), Heurtel (2), Claver (8).
Breakdown: 16-19 / 35-38 / 54-55 / 74-70
Officials: Sreten Radovic and Artem Lavrukhin