Barça competed bravely on one of Europe’s toughest courts but ultimately fell to Olympiacos on EuroLeague matchday 25 (87–75). After a poor start, they turned the game around with a brilliant third quarter led by an outstanding Will Clyburn on his return, only to stall in a flat final period. Despite the defeat, a last-second basket from Vesely preserved the points difference. Xavi Pascual’s side next face Murcia on Sunday.

Slow start

After opening the scoring, Barça were overwhelmed by Olympiacos’ pace and intensity. A damaging 13–0 run, dominance on the boards and easy transition points left the visitors chasing the game, with the hosts closing the first quarter 27–14.

Fighting back

Barça responded in the second quarter with improved defence and perimeter shooting. Brizuela, Vesely and Punter helped cut the deficit, and the team went into the break still in contention at 46–37.

Clyburn lights it up

The third quarter belonged to Will Clyburn, back after injury and making an immediate impact with scoring, leadership and confidence. Barça surged to level and briefly take the lead, before Olympiacos hit back. A spectacular period ended with the visitors ahead and everything to play for (59–64).

Stalled finish

In the final quarter, Barça lost fluency. Missed shots, free-throw issues and defensive struggles halted their momentum, while Olympiacos capitalised at home. A late triple threatened the points difference, but with 0.7 seconds left Vesely scored to limit the damage, sealing the final score at 87–75.

MATCH STATS

OLYMPIACOS, 87
BARÇA, 75

Olympiacos: Walkup (3), Ward (8), Vezenkov (20), Dorsey (17), Milutinov (8), Peters (2), Joseph (2), Mckissic (5), Jones (16), Fournier (6)

Barça: Punter (15), Vesely (12), Satoransky (5); Shengelia (12), Parra (-), Marcos (-), Norris (3), Brizuela (14), Hernangomez (-), Laprovittola (-), Clyburn (14)

Periods: 27-13, 19-24 // 13-27, 28-11

Referees: Sreten Radovic, Piotr Pastusiak, Kristaps Konstantinovs

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