On May 8, 2025, Leyma Coruña faced off against FC Barcelona in a thrilling match that was part of the Liga Endesa, showcasing contrasting ambitions as the regular season nears its conclusion. The stakes were high for both teams: Coruña, sitting at the bottom of the standings with just 6 wins against 23 losses, was desperate to avoid relegation, while Barcelona, currently fifth with 18 wins and 11 losses, sought to secure home-court advantage for the playoffs.
The game took place at the Coliseum in A Coruña, starting at 20:30 local time. This matchup was particularly significant as it was the first encounter for Barcelona following their elimination from the Euroleague at the hands of Monaco, where they lost a nail-biting fifth game, 85-84. Despite this setback, Barcelona had been in good form in the Liga Endesa, winning 11 of their last 14 matches.
As the match commenced, both teams displayed their intentions right from the start. Barcelona began with a lineup featuring key players such as Kevin Punter, Tomas Satoransky, Joel Parra, Willy Hernangómez, and Álex Abrines. In contrast, Coruña relied on Silins, Barrueta, Taylor, Font, and Burjanadze to lead their efforts.
The first quarter saw Barcelona take an early lead, with Satoransky hitting a three-pointer to kick things off. However, Coruña quickly responded, showcasing their shooting prowess with Barrueta and Taylor contributing significant points. By the end of the first quarter, Barcelona held a narrow 30-26 lead, but it was clear that Coruña was not going down without a fight.
As the game progressed into the second quarter, Coruña began to find their rhythm. Goran Huskic was instrumental in this phase, scoring multiple baskets and assisting his teammates. A notable moment came when Taylor made a fast break, converting a layup that energized the home crowd. By halftime, Coruña had managed to build a 12-point lead, forcing Barcelona into a timeout as they struggled to contain the local team's momentum.
During the halftime break, both coaches had critical adjustments to make. Joan Peñarroya, the Barcelona coach, aimed to reignite his team's offensive strategy, while Diego Epifanio of Coruña sought to maintain the pressure on their more illustrious opponents.
The third quarter resumed with Barcelona attempting to claw back into the game. They started strong, with Jabari Parker making a significant impact, scoring crucial three-pointers and keeping the pressure on Coruña. However, Barrueta continued to shine for Coruña, hitting multiple three-pointers that kept the home team ahead.
As the game entered the final quarter, the tension was palpable. With just a few minutes left on the clock, the score was tight. Satoransky and Hernangómez made several attempts to bring Barcelona back into contention, but every time they scored, Coruña had an answer. A pivotal moment came when Barrueta hit a crucial three-pointer to push Coruña's lead to six points with only 42 seconds remaining.
With the clock winding down, Barcelona was forced to call a timeout to regroup. Upon returning to the court, they managed to tie the game at 81-81 thanks to a series of free throws from Hernangómez and a crucial basket from Satoransky. However, Coruña responded immediately with a layup from Huskic, followed by another three-pointer from Barrueta, putting them back in the lead.
As the final seconds approached, the intensity reached its peak. Barcelona had one last chance to equalize, but missed shots from Parker and Brizuela sealed their fate. The game concluded with a final score of Leyma Coruña 89, Barcelona 85, marking a significant victory for the struggling Coruña team.
This win not only lifted Coruña's spirits but also gave them a fighting chance to avoid relegation as they prepare for their upcoming matches against direct rivals Surne Bilbao and MoraBanc Andorra. Meanwhile, Barcelona will need to regroup quickly as they face the challenge of maintaining their playoff position in the Liga Endesa.
In the aftermath of the game, the players and coaches expressed their emotions. Barrueta, who was pivotal in the win, stated, "We knew we had to fight for every point. This win is crucial for our survival in the league." On the other hand, Peñarroya reflected on the need for his team to bounce back, saying, "We need to learn from this and come back stronger. Every game counts as we head into the playoffs."
As the Liga Endesa season approaches its climax, the battle for playoff positions and relegation intensifies, promising more thrilling encounters in the weeks to come.
