FC Bayern Basketball missed the sensation in Barcelona. In game five of the Euroleague playoff quarter-final series, the favorites from Catalonia were able to prevail in a hard-fought game with 81:72. It was only the second time in Munich’s history that they were in the Euroleague playoffs. A progress would have been historic. Because so far no German team has been able to move into the Final Four tournament.
FC Bayern as the underdog
The roles were clearly divided before the tip-off, although the series was already four games old, although the two had met at eye level on the court so far, although this quarter-final went into the all-important fifth game. On the one hand the top favorites from Barcelona. The squad is peppered with former NBA greats: Nikola Mirotic, Dante Exum, Àlex Abrines.
On the other hand, Munich, who had only reached the Euroleague playoffs for the second time in their history and had never been able to advance a round there. “It’s a privilege to be able to go into the jaws of a shark,” said coach Andrea Trinchieri before the game – and he also used humble words in front of everyone about the prominent opponent.
Bayern with a six-point lead at half-time
As in the previous games, there was nothing to be seen on the court. FC Bayern acted courageously, especially on the defensive, they had the stars from FC Barcelona well under control. Mirotic in particular had a hard time. On the offensive, the Munich team dared a lot, but were too hasty from time to time. Otherwise the lead they took in the first quarter (18:19) could have been higher.
It worked better in the second quarter. In addition, the three at Barça did not want to fall. In this phase only the defensive rebounds were a problem for the underdogs. Bayern went into half-time with a six-point lead (31:37).
False start to the second half
This advantage was lost after a short time. A 7-0 run by the Catalans gave the hosts the lead. Bayern found it difficult. Barcelona seemed to have found the defensive recipe against Munich, but they fought back into the game. Above all with wild three-point throws, which were definitely not planned by Trinchieri.
But Barcelona also managed to throw art. Bayern’s lack of defensive rebounds were no longer a problem, because the hosts’ offensive really got going. 29 points in the third quarter. Bayern went into the all-important quarter ten points behind.
Bayern keeps the game open until the end.
There, FC Bayern was able to slow down the opposing offensive and also took tricks themselves, but the gap did not get any smaller. The closer the final seconds drew, the more certain it was that Munich would be out. In the end the result of 81:72 was a bit too clear. “My players have shown an incredible streak. I’m proud,” said Trinchieri.
“Of course we are all hugely disappointed, but heartfelt congratulations to our coach, to our team. Huge respect. The character of this team is that it doesn’t give up” – FCBB Managing Director Marko Pesic at Magenta Sport.
Best pitcher at Bayern was Othello Hunter with 18 points. For Barcelona, Nicolas Laprovittola (26 points) and Mirotic (20) were the most successful. Barcelona now face Real Madrid in the semi-finals in Belgrade, where the title will be awarded from 19-21 May.
