Barcelona started their EuroLeague season with a home win, beating Anadolu Efes Istanbul 89-82 at the Palau Blaugrana on Tuesday. Decisive contributions from Dario Brizuela, with 20 points, and Kevin Punter, with 19, were key to a victory that comes during a period of excellent form for the club, who lead La Liga with 21 points from seven games.
The match, corresponding to the first round of the regular season, was not a straightforward affair for the Catalan side. Anadolu Efes, coached by Aleksander Sekulic, put up a fight and kept the outcome in doubt for long stretches. However, composure in the closing moments, including a decisive three-pointer from Justin Robinson and clutch free throws from Olek Balcerowski, sealed the deal. For the visitors, Mike James missed several opportunities from the foul line.
Post-match reactions
Anadolu Efes coach Aleksander Sekulic acknowledged the quality of the opposition after the loss. "We have played against a great team, a great coach," Sekulic said. "We have had problems but we have found the way."
Meanwhile, Dario Brizuela, one of the stars of the game, stressed the importance of a strong start. "It was important for us to start well, in two days we have another one just like it," the player explained. "A very good and young locker room. They are all very good guys and have understood what it means to be here."
This European win adds to an impeccable run for the football first team, who are on a five-game winning streak in the league. Their latest result was a 1-3 win away at Sevilla last Saturday, featuring a hat-trick from Raphael Dias Belloli. The team maintains a devastating offensive output, with 31 goals scored and only 7 conceded, putting them five points clear of Atletico Madrid.
The next domestic fixture is against Getafe at the Camp Nou on October 10th, a match the team approaches with high morale. The squad, which you can review in detail in our squad section, demonstrates a depth and youth that are proving decisive in this start to the season. The EuroLeague victory serves as further momentum to tackle a busy schedule with maximum confidence.
First reported at ABC Deportes
