Barcelona Prepares for Key Match Against Baskonia

Barcelona, Spain – FC Barcelona faces a crucial match in the Liga Endesa this afternoon against Baskonia at 19:00 hours. The team is riding a wave of confidence after two recent victories in the EuroLeague.

Point guard Juani Marcos expressed the team’s morale in light of their success but emphasized the need for focus. “We are happy after two wins in the EuroLeague, but we know we shouldn’t be too relaxed,” he said after Saturday’s training session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. His comments reflect the team’s commitment to continuing their success and aiming for a strong showing in domestic competition.

This game will be the last for interim coach Óscar Orellana, who has led the team to two consecutive wins since taking over. Orellana’s tenure follows the departure of Joan Peñarroya and has already reinvigorated the squad, particularly after recovering from a disappointing defeat to Bàsquet Girona.

The recent wins included a narrow victory against Bayern (74-75) and a strong finish against Virtus Bologna (88-81). Barcelona outscored their opponents 27-14 in the final quarter of the latter match, showcasing their renewed defensive capabilities.

Baskonia, currently sitting at 10th in Liga Endesa with a 3-3 record, enters the game on a three-game losing streak. They are a win ahead of Barcelona, who has a record of 2-4. In their recent matches, the departure of key player Luka Samanic and injuries to Marcus Howard and Trent Forrest have disrupted Baskonia’s stability.

Despite their struggles, Baskonia has enjoyed past success against Barcelona, winning four of their last five encounters, including a victory in Barcelona last season.

Barcelona, with all players available except for long-term injury victim Juan Núñez, is eager to secure a win for their fans and to bid farewell to Orellana on a high note. Marcos stressed the importance of staying alert against Baskonia’s potent offense. “They have a lot of exterior talent and play at a very dynamic pace,” he commented. “We need lots of energy and intensity to get the win.”

Marcos also expressed gratitude towards the fans for their support during recent games. “The team fought hard, and that made the fans reconnect with us. We are very thankful because they are a big part of the team, and it’s always nice to reconnect with them,” he concluded.