The Palau explodes against Barça's apathy

BarcelonaValencia Basket exposed the shortcomings of a Barça that will have to play the quarterfinals with home-court disadvantage (77-102). The Catalan team suffered a very painful defeat, bleeding at times, both in form and consequences. The Palau Blaugrana used whistles and some handkerchiefs to criticize the apathy of some players.

Days after announcing he will leave at the end of the season, Xavi Pascual was welcomed with applause. "One of the dreams of my life was to be Barça's coach and I have fulfilled it twice. This is my home, my people and it will always be so," he said. The Palau Blaugrana also honored Jan Vesely, who will retire at the end of this campaign.

Despite recovering Tomás Satoransky and Will Clyburn, Barça had a tough time against Valencia Basket, who closed the first period with a 14-point lead (14-28). The visitors dominated the rhythm and the rebound. The difference grew to 19 points by halftime (27-46), at which point whistles appeared at the Palau Blaugrana to criticize the apathy of some players.

Barça clung to Toko Shengelia's character to try not to fall behind in the game, but the blaugrana team reached the last ten minutes with a 22-point deficit (53-75). The Catalan team tried to improve the score during a final period in which the visiting team stopped pressing the accelerator. Not even then. Many fans left their seats early.

The quarterfinals begin Tuesday

The play-offs for the title begin on Tuesday, when Barça will have to play on UCAM Murcia's court. Asisa Joventut, for their part, will start the quarterfinals on Wednesday playing against Kosner Baskonia. Both Catalan teams will have the home court disadvantage.