Barça collapses in Monaco

BarcelonaBarça suffered a very painful defeat on the court of Monaco (92-79). The Blaugrana team, who were clearly outclassed by a rival as good as they were clumsy, are one defeat away from elimination (2-0) and will have to win three games in a row if they do not want to see the final four through television. The home team knew how to toughen up a match that was very tense.

Mam Jaiteh, who looked like the reincarnation of Hakeem Olajuwon, and Alpha Diallo accentuated the defensive shortcomings of a soulless Barça that gradually faded as the minutes passed. "We haven't improved our defense. We need to improve at the Palau Blaugrana because, if not, we won't be able to beat a rival as good as Monaco," analyzed Joan Peñarroya, who, due to Jan Vesely's physical problems, was left with just nine first-team players for the second half.

Alpha Diallo scored 15 points in just 9 minutes. AS Monaco capitalized on his efficiency to build a 10-point lead (29-19). The home team took advantage of the referee's permissiveness to stiffen their defense and prevent the Catalan side from accelerating the game. Jordan Loyd drove Jabari Parker crazy. Jaron Blossomgame also contributed to the visitors' tension, who went into the break with a nine-point deficit (49-40).

Jan Vesely, with back discomfort, was unable to play the second half. The home team's deficit grew to 14 points (60-46). When Barça tried to raise the physical level of the game, their players were loaded with personal fouls. In defense, the Blaugrana team was too soft. Their problems limiting direct blocking situations became a burden. In offense, they relied on the individual talent of players like Parker.

The game was stopped due to a brawl with 13:16 left. The home side provoked. The visitors spurred on the action. Justin Anderson, Kevin Punter, Jaron Blossomgame, and Alpha Diallo were all penalized in a Solomonic decision that satisfied no one. When the game went downhill, Monaco felt more comfortable (74-57). Mam Jaiteh's mobility exposed the inside players of a Barça side that conceded 31 points in 10 minutes (80-64).

Outmatched both mentally and technically, a sluggish Barça side ran out of chances at the start of the final quarter (86-67). Monaco dished out 28 assists. The Blaugrana side piled up errors and never gave the impression they could recover. The final stretch was a penance for a Catalan side that will be searching for a miracle at the Palau Blaugrana next week, now without a safety net.

Without Josep Cubells

Josep Cubells, the director in charge of Barça's basketball team, did not attend the match, as he traveled to Seville to attend the Copa del Rey final. Ricky Rubio and Cory Higgins, on the other hand, did travel to the Salle Gaston Médécin, where they cheered on their former team.