FC Barcelona 89-91 Real Madrid: Narrow defeat

The fifth Clásico of the season was Barça’s chance to turn the tide after four previous losses. But a nail-biting final quarter and two three-pointers in the last minute led to another narrow defeat.

Punter takes charge

Barça came out strong, with Satoransky and Punter scoring early. But Madrid quickly turned things around with an 0-11 run, fueled by Llull’s three-point shooting (8 points in the first quarter).

Barça needed a reaction, and Punter delivered. Fresh from extending his contract, the guard scored 8 quick points to flip the lead, giving Barça a 24-20 advantage at the end of the first period.

Further momentum followed in the second. Joel Parra, celebrating his 25th birthday, hit a three-pointer to stretch the lead to 31-26. But Madrid responded quickly, tying the game at 33-33 and edging ahead by halftime. But Barça were breathing right down their necks.

Rising tension

Indeed Jabari Parker tied the game at 44, but Llull reappeared, supported well by Tavares, and Madrid kept a slight edge throughout the third quarter.

The tension and intensity were rising inside the Palau. Technical fouls were handed out both ways, and Fall was ejected. Barça managed to fight back late in the quarter, with Anderson tying things at 59-59m but Madrid regained control, ending the period ahead 61-68.

Late despair

Barça started the fourth by taking a narrow 73-72 lead. The game remained neck and neck, with Parra and Brizuela scoring for Barça and Feliz answering for Madrid, and it all came down to the final minute—60 long seconds. Two crucial three-pointers swung it for Madrid and Barça lost a heartbreaker, 89-91.

Big game ahead

There’s no time to dwell on the loss. Next week is crucial for Barça’s European campaign, as they face Virtus Bologna on Friday in the last game of the regular season at the Palau Blaugrana.

MATCH STATS

BARÇA, 89
MADRID, 91

Barça: Punter (19), Anderson (4), Satoransky (14), Fall (2), Parker (12), Brizuela (15), Hernangomez (2), Abrines (2), Parra (15), Villar (4).

Madrid: Campazzo (9), Deck (2), Garuba (2), Tavares (15), Llull (19), Abalde (5), Hezonja (2), Musa (15), Ibaka (8), Feliz (14).

Periods: 24-20, 15-22 // 22-16, 28-23