In a thrilling playoff battle, Barcelona edged out Monaco 79-72 in a gripping fourth game of the Euroleague quarterfinals, forcing a decisive fifth game in the series. The clash at the Palau Blaugrana showcased the resilience of the Blaugrana, who had to overcome a challenging second quarter and a determined Monaco side to keep their Final Four hopes alive.
The victory on Friday, May 2, 2025, ties the series at 2-2, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Monaco. The decisive game will occur at 19:00 in the Salle Gaston Médecin, coinciding with Barcelona's crucial Champions League match against Inter Milan.
Jabari Parker was the standout performer for the home team, scoring 22 points and demonstrating a commanding presence on both ends of the court. His contributions were vital as Barcelona sought to regain momentum after trailing at halftime. "It was a great victory, but we have nothing done yet; one game remains," Parker stated after the match, emphasizing the need for focus as they prepare for the next challenge.
Barcelona started the game strong, racing to an early lead with a remarkable 21-9 advantage. However, Monaco responded with tenacity, closing the gap and eventually taking a 38-35 lead into halftime. The visitors capitalized on Barcelona's struggles in the second quarter, where the home team managed to score only 12 points compared to Monaco's 24.
Despite the setback, Barcelona regrouped and showcased their fighting spirit in the second half. Coach Joan Peñarroya praised his team's resilience, noting, "We had to win this game, whether playing well or poorly, but with desire. In the second half, we were better and more composed, which helped us a lot."
Darío Brizuela also played a crucial role, contributing 17 points, including several key baskets in the final quarter that helped secure the win. His ability to penetrate the defense and create scoring opportunities was instrumental in Barcelona's late-game surge. "When you play against players who are above the rules, it’s tough to compete," Brizuela remarked, referring to the intense physicality of the matchup.
Barcelona's defense proved to be a decisive factor in the final moments of the game. The team managed to limit Monaco's scoring, with the visitors tallying 20 points less than in their previous encounters. Mike James led Monaco with 16 points, while Alpha Diallo added 13, but their efforts fell short against a revitalized Barcelona defense.
The game was marked by a series of tense moments, including a technical foul against Monaco's Elie Okobo, which allowed Barcelona to regain crucial points late in the game. The final minutes saw a flurry of activity, with both teams exchanging baskets as the clock wound down. With just seconds remaining, Kevin Punter sealed the victory with two free throws that extended Barcelona's lead to five points.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Palau erupted in celebration, knowing that their team had not only won a vital game but had also forced a fifth and final showdown. "We are absolutely going for it in Monaco," Parker declared, setting the tone for the high-stakes rematch.
The upcoming game promises to be a nail-biter, with both teams vying for a spot in the Final Four in Abu Dhabi. Barcelona will need to maintain the momentum they built in this game while addressing the inconsistencies that plagued them in previous encounters. The absence of Jan Vesely due to lumbalgia continues to be a challenge for the Blaugrana, but their depth and determination have shown that they can rise to the occasion.
With both teams having a chance to advance, the excitement is palpable as fans look forward to what could be a classic playoff showdown. Will Barcelona continue their resurgence, or will Monaco reclaim their dominance? The basketball world will be watching closely as the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this intense playoff series.
