FC Barcelona lost at Asisa Joventut in a game largely controlled by the home side. Barça relied more on individual efforts than team play but stayed close until the final quarter, when Xavi Pascual’s team pulled away. Barça’s problems building attacks proved decisive in the derby.

Tight start

The first quarter began at a high tempo, with both teams scoring freely. Former Barça players Ricky Rubio and Ante Tomic led Joventut’s offence with some good combinations. Vesely also contributed, reliable from two-point range. Both sides struggled from three until Brizuela hit one in the eighth minute. The hosts finished the quarter looking stronger, especially on the boards (19–15).

Neck and neck

The second quarter was evenly matched overall. Joventut dominated the opening minutes with intense pressure that forced Barça into transition errors and gave them a small lead. Barça responded later and closed the gap, but the hosts still led at half-time (44–39).

Joventut take control

After the break, Barça pulled closer through a Satoransky three-pointer, but Joventut maintained their strong collective play. Hakanson briefly threatened to extend the lead, though Satoransky answered with another triple. Hunt, Clyburn and Punter scored through individual actions as Barça struggled to create. Joventut were also highly accurate from the free-throw line (10/11) and ended the third quarter ahead (64–58).

Joventut finish it off

The final quarter turned decisively green and black. A 6–1 run lifted the home crowd and Barça’s offensive mistakes increased. With six minutes left, Joventut led by 13. Barça tried to respond, but two quick three-pointers from the hosts sealed the game with two minutes remaining.

    of

    MATCH STATS 

    ASISA JOVENTUT, 84  
    BARÇA, 72  

    Asisa Joventut: Hunt (17), Hakanson (7), Hanga (12), Tomic (14), Ricky Rubio (17), Parker (7), Kraag (-), Birgander (6), Ruzic (4), Drell (-)  

    Barça: Clyburn (13), Punter (9), Parra (19), Vesely (7), Brizuela (11), Satoransky (8), Cale (-), Hernangómez (5), Juani Marcos (-), Fall (-)  

    Periods: 19-15, 44-39 // 64-58, 84-72  

    Referees: Óscar Perea, Arnau Padrós, Cristóbal Sánchez

    Força Barça