La Laguna Tenerife achieved a stunning upset over FC Barcelona, advancing to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey with a 91-86 victory, led by the indefatigable Marcelinho Huertas.
The quarterfinal match, held on February 13, 2025, at the Gran Canaria Arena, showcased the resilience and talent of the Tenerife squad, particularly spotlighting Huertas, who became the oldest player to participate in the tournament at 41 years, 8 months, and 16 days.
Barcelona began the game fiercely, setting a record by scoring 33 points—a tournament high—in the first quarter. The team, showing moments of brilliance, seemed poised for victory as they pulled away early. With Tomas Satoransky leading the charge, Barcelona maintained their lead throughout the first half.
Despite this, Tenerife remained undaunted, maintaining focus and strategy. Huertas transformed the game with significant contributions, especially as the match progressed. By halftime, Tenerife had chipped away at the deficit, closing the gap to just 47-54.
The second half began with challenges for both squads; injuries plagued Barcelona as star player Kevin Punter left the game due to a shoulder injury early in the third quarter. His absence severely affected Barcelona's offensive capabilities.
With the momentum shifting, Tenerife seized the opportunity. They capitalized on Barcelona's struggles, turning defensive rebounds and forced turnovers by the opposing team. The final quarter was electric as Tenerife outscored Barcelona 25-13, reversing the earlier 12-point deficit.
Huertas played pivotal roles not only as the primary scorer with 22 points but also facilitated offensive plays with six assists and became instrumental in securing offensive rebounds. His performance earned him 30 credited evaluation points, underscoring his significance to the team's success.
Alongside Huertas, Fran Guerra emerged as another key player for Tenerife, contributing 14 points and making dual efforts on both offense and defense. The pair’s combined efforts led Tenerife's thrilling comeback.
Barcelona struggled to score effectively during the closing minutes of the match. Satoransky's leadership was unable to compensate for the lack of firepower following Punter's injury, with several players falling short of their usual scoring capabilities. Coach Joan Peñarroya's team faltered under pressure, unable to respond to Tenerife's disciplined play.
With the clock winding down, Huertas and teammates showcased their composure, executing precise plays and managing the ball well, turning defensive possessions quickly becoming offensive scoring chances. Their performance culminated with decisive shots from the three-point range, which sealed Barcelona's fate.
This victory marks Tenerife's seventh semifinal appearance in the last eight Copa del Rey editions, fueling their aspirations for the trophy. Their next challenge awaits against Unicaja Málaga on February 15, 2025, at the Gran Canaria Arena.
Overall, the commanding performance by La Laguna Tenerife was not just about what they achieved on the court, but it also evoked great pride among fans and players alike, demonstrating the power of perseverance and belief, especially on such significant stages as the Copa del Rey.