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abr 05 2026ZARAGOZA — Barcelona secured a valuable win against Casademont Zaragoza (86-92) in ACB play, ending a negative streak at Príncipe Felipe arena where they hadn't won since 2022. The blaugrana side maintained composure in a closely contested matchup and ultimately imposed their superior solidity in the final minutes.
The game started with a hot Casademont Zaragoza. The team coached by Joan Plaza came out with offensive energy and three-point accuracy, led by Santi Yusta, who regained prominence from beyond the arc and allowed the hosts to take an early 11-5 lead in just two and a half minutes.
However, Barcelona responded quickly. With Willy Hernangómez dominating near the basket and Juani Marcos providing pace in the point guard role, the Catalan team found its rhythm and ended up controlling the first quarter. That reaction translated into a favorable run that allowed the visitors to close the period with a 25-32 advantage.
The second quarter maintained a more balanced tone, although three-point shooting set the pace of the game. Bojan Dubljevic stood out with his accuracy from three-point range, reaching four three-pointers made on five attempts by the midpoint of the quarter, while Barcelona found answers from beyond the arc.
In that exchange of makes, Kevin Punter appeared, and with three three-pointers on four attempts, he propelled the blaugrana to open an 11-point lead (35-46) with two and a half minutes remaining before halftime. Barcelona maintained that margin heading into the break at 41-50, after a first half in which Punter stood out with 13 points and Willy Hernangómez with 8, while Santi Yusta (12) and Bojan Dubljevic (16) sustained the Aragonese squad.
After the halftime break, Casademont Zaragoza showed a different face. More intense on defense and more precise on offense, the home team managed to cut the deficit quickly to 49-54 in the opening minutes of the third quarter.
The red-and-white momentum continued thanks to the work of Uruguayan Joaquín Rodríguez, who led the comeback to put the Aragonese within just two points (54-56) at the midpoint of the third quarter. However, when the game seemed to be tilting toward the home side, Barcelona knew how to resist.
With Casademont Zaragoza already in the bonus and Kevin Punter maintaining his offensive inspiration, Xavi Pascual's team managed to close the third quarter still ahead on the scoreboard (66-72).
The final quarter began with maximum tension. Pushed by the Príncipe Felipe crowd and with Santi Yusta as the offensive reference point, Casademont Zaragoza had a strong start that allowed them to take a 73-72 lead in less than two minutes.
But Barcelona once again demonstrated its experience in decisive moments. With the game completely open and five minutes remaining, Darío Brizuela, James Nnaji Norris, and Juani Marcos provided balance and points to return the initiative to the visitors.
In a tight finish, the blaugrana side managed the crucial possessions better and secured the victory with a final 86-92 scoreline, a win that allows Barcelona to break their bad streak in Zaragoza and add an important result in the ACB.
86 – Casademont Zaragoza: (25+14+27+20): Mario Spissu (3), Justin Wright-Foreman (7), Santi Yusta (32), Jaime Fernández (2), Bojan Dubljevic (18) -starting five- Robinson (7), González (8), Rodríguez (9).
92 – Barcelona: (32+18+22+20): Juani Marcos (9), Myles Cale (5), Miles Norris (10), Willy Hernangómez (12), Joel Parra (9) -starting five- Punter (22), Brizuela (4), Fall (4), Shengelia (13), Kusturica (4).
