Real Madrid 104-98 Barça: Two down in the tie

A second defeat for FC Barcelona in the semi-final play off tie against Real Madrid with Roger Grimau's team losing 104-98 in the Wizik Center to leave the team with an uphill task in the five game series. The Palau 'factor' will be crucial with game three to come in Barcelona. 

Barça start strong 

The blaugranes began the contest in fine style, establishing a five point lead quickly. However, ten unanswered points from the visitors saw the game swing Madrid's way in the first period. Nevertheless, eight points from Vesely helped Barça get themselves back into the contest and at the end of the first quarter Grimau's men led 24-22. 

In the second period the points came and went for both sides but Barça established a 28-22 lead thanks to a 15-4 stretch. Nevertheless, the home side reacted quickly and a three pointer from Campazzo gave Real Madrid a 44-40 lead at half time. 

Third quarter decisive 

The second half started with a three points from Jabari Parker to bring Barça to within a point at 44-43 but the home side reacted quickly to surge ahead at 60-49. The blaugranes themselves kept the game alive at 67-60 but Madrid again forged ahead at 73-62 going into the fourth quarter. 

In the final quarter the deficit was too much for the visitors and Real Madrid took a 2-0 lead in the tie with the 104-98 win that takes the tie to the Palau for game three. 

MATCH STATS

REAL MADRID, 104
BARÇA, 98

Real Madrid: Campazzo (14), Causeur (3), Musa (18), Hezonja (12) and Tavares (12) - starting five - Rudy (3), Abalde (3), Rodriguez (8) Poirier (4), Llull (18), Yabusele (9)

Barça: Rubio (4), Laprovittola (12), Kalinic (2), Da Silva (10) and Hernangómez (6) - starting five - Vesely (24), Satoransky (15), Abrines (3), Parker (13), Parra (9).