Xavi Pascual revives Barça with a 'vintage' strategy

BarcelonaA Barça vintage who abandoned rotations and strengthened the defense Barcelona defeated Olympiacos at the Palau Blaugrana (98-85). The Barça team capitalized on a brilliant third quarter, scoring 30 points, to secure their eighth victory in the last nine games. Xavi Pascual's tactical approach, a coach known for maximizing his team's resources, worked perfectly on a night where Will Cluburn made the difference. The forward tallied 28 points, including seven three-pointers. The home team's efficiency from beyond the arc was key.

For the first time in a while, Barça fans didn't approach the game with fear against an opponent they had lost to in their last four encounters. Proud of their team's improvement, the supporters created a powerful atmosphere at the Palau Blaugrana. The game, which was attended by Joan Laporta in the stands, validated Xavi Pascual's strategy, who curses every basket conceded as if his team had let in a goal.

Barça capitalized on the outside shooting of their shooters, who made four of their first five three-point attempts, to start the game by securing the lead (14-6). Olympiacos used Evan Fournier's leadership to close the gap. Will Clyburn's 11 points in 10 minutes weren't enough to finish the first quarter with a lead (21-22).

The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair between two teams that know each other's strengths and weaknesses very well. More comfortable playing a half-court offense than a fast break, both teams tried to minimize their mistakes. Barça managed to go into halftime with a three-point lead (42-39).

No substitutions

Pascual reduced rotations on the wing (no changes in 7:33 minutes of play) and the strategy worked. Barça capitalized on a moment of collective intensity to build an 18-point lead (67-49). The starting five of Sato, Punter, Clyburn, Shengelia, and Vesely proved they had scoring touches against an Olympiacos team lacking their usual accuracy. The home team's defense suffocated them. The gap with which the Catalan team entered the final ten minutes was significant (72-56).

Thanks to their hard work, Barça were able to withstand Olympiacos' attacks during the final period, in which the Greek team attempted a comeback, albeit inconsistently. Joel Parra suffered a heavy blow to the nose that caused him to bleed profusely.