What a showdown: Bayern Basketball vs. Barça – this electrifying match-up takes place this Friday, on the eleventh game day of the EuroLeague. Surprisingly, this pairing is a top clash between two teams tied on points, as the German champion has been performing strongly in the premier competition, while FC Barcelona recently lost a home game – and thus the lead to Fenerbahce (8-2).
The highlight begins at 8:30 PM in the SAP Garden, sold out with 11,200 fans. MagentaSport will broadcast the game free of charge for everyone on its platforms.
Star Signing Kevin Punter
As every year, FC Barcelona is among the perennial contenders for the Final Four. After falling short last season despite finishing fourth in the regular season (22:12 wins), Joan Penarroya was appointed as head coach; he previously coached in Valencia and Vitoria in the EuroLeague.
Naturally, Kevin Punter, the crunch-time king, is regarded as their star signing. Snatched away from Partizan, he’s already delivering for the 19-time Spanish champion (16.7 PPG, 43% from three). The team also boasts NBA-experienced stars like Jabari Parker (12.7 PPG), center Jan Vesely (10.1), and Willy Hernangomez (8.1). Additionally, they feature national players from the reigning European champion squad, such as Alex Abrines, Dario Brizuela, and point guard Juan Nunez, who joined from Ulm.
Herbert: "We Will See the Best Barcelona in Munich"
Currently, more responsibility for playmaking lies in the hands of Tomas Satoransky (291 NBA games), especially after the season was cut short for outstanding Argentine point guard Nicolas Laprovittola (ACL injury), and no replacement has been signed yet.
In their last game, Barça lost at home to Paris 87:103 (48:45) after a strong finish from the visitors. In the Spanish ACB league, they have a 5:3 record, already creating some distance from league leaders Malaga (7:1) with Nihad Djedovic (5.3 PPG) and from arch-rivals Real Madrid (6:2).
"Barcelona is coming off a tough loss to Paris – so we can be sure that we will see the best Barça in Munich, as they will want to respond," said Bayern head coach Gordon Herbert. "It will be a tough challenge, and we will certainly need not only a very good performance but also our fans. They have been the sixth man for us so far, and our players have visibly enjoyed playing in this arena. If we play with enough energy and togetherness again, the fans will be behind us and push us. It's up to us."
Upcoming Games for FCBB
- Friday, November 22, 8:30 PM: 11th EuroLeague game day, FCBB – FC Barcelona (SAP Garden)
- Friday, November 29, 8:00 PM: 12th EuroLeague game day, Crvena Zvezda Belgrade – FCBB
- Sunday, December 1, 6:00 PM: 9th BBL game day, FCBB – Rasta Vechta (BMW Park)
- Tuesday, December 3, 6:30 PM: 13th EuroLeague game day, Efes Istanbul – FCBB
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Thursday, December 5, 8:30 PM: 14th EuroLeague game day, FCBB – Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (SAP Garden)
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Monday, December 9, 8:00 PM: Quarterfinals, FCBB – Rasta Vechta (BMW Park)
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Thursday, December 12, 8:45 PM: 14th EuroLeague game day, FCBB – Maccabi Tel Aviv (SAP Garden)