Olimpia Milano Holds Off Barcelona in Thrilling EuroLeague Contest
MILAN, ITALY – March 5, 2026 – Olimpia Milano secured a hard-fought 87-84 victory over FC Barcelona in a captivating EuroLeague matchup at the Allianz Cloud on Thursday evening. Despite a stunning late surge from the visitors, Milano managed to cling to their lead, fueled by a dominant first three quarters and key contributions from several players. The win improves Milano’s record to 14-15, although Barcelona falls to 17-12.
The game featured a compelling narrative, with former teammates reunited on opposing benches. Kevin Punter, now with Barcelona, returned to face his old club, Olimpia Milano, where he previously enjoyed success, including winning the Italian Supercup and Coppa Italia in 2021. The contest also highlighted the tactical adjustments made by both teams following recent coaching changes, with Javi Pascual now at the helm for Barcelona.
First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone
The opening quarter saw a balanced attack from both sides, with Nebo and Hernangomez trading early baskets. Bolmaro’s corner three and Shengelia’s offensive rebound gave Barcelona an initial lead, but Milano quickly responded. Shields’ trips to the free-throw line and strong interior play from Ellis and LeDay established a 24-17 advantage for the home side after ten minutes. Brooks capped off the quarter with a late three-pointer.
Milano continued to build on their momentum in the second quarter. Booker’s rebounding and Guduric’s scoring helped extend the lead, while Punter struggled to find his rhythm early on. LeDay and Nebo continued to cause problems for the Barcelona defense, and a strong finish to the half, punctuated by another three from Brooks, saw Milano take a commanding 46-34 lead into the break.
A Furious Barcelona Comeback Falls Short
The third quarter began with a back-and-forth exchange, but Milano maintained control. Bolmaro’s all-around play, including a steal and four consecutive points, proved crucial. LeDay’s defensive pressure forced a 24-second violation, and Milano continued to extend their advantage, reaching a game-high 21-point lead. A late three-pointer from Brooks on the buzzer pushed the score to 78-51, seemingly putting the game out of reach.
However, Barcelona refused to surrender. Vesely sparked a remarkable comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring seven quick points. Coach Poeta called a timeout as Barcelona began to chip away at the lead. Shengelia and Parra continued the charge, reducing the deficit to 14 points. Despite a brief response from Booker, Barcelona’s momentum was undeniable. A series of 2+1 plays from Shengelia and Vesely brought the score to 83-74 with just 90 seconds remaining.
The final minutes were a whirlwind of action. Satoransky hit two crucial three-pointers, including one with just 2.4 seconds left on the clock, to bring Barcelona within two points at 86-84. Shields was then fouled and made one of two free throws, setting the stage for a final attempt by Shengelia, which ultimately missed, securing the victory for Milano.
Key Performers and Statistical Highlights
LeDay led the way for Olimpia Milano with 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Vesely paced Barcelona with 15 points. Shields added 13 points for Milano, and Shengelia contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds for Barcelona. Bolmaro impressed with 13 points and 6 assists. Milano shot 50% from three-point range, a key factor in their success, but committed a costly 19 turnovers.
The game highlighted the importance of rebounding and interior defense for Milano, who controlled the paint for much of the contest. However, the team’s struggles in the fourth quarter, particularly with turnovers, nearly cost them the game. Barcelona’s late surge demonstrated their resilience and offensive firepower, but they were unable to overcome the early deficit.
What’s Next for Olimpia Milano and FC Barcelona?
Olimpia Milano will look to build on this victory as they prepare for their next EuroLeague challenge. Barcelona, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back from this defeat and regain their momentum. Both teams will be crucial matchups as the EuroLeague season progresses towards the playoffs. The next scheduled game for Olimpia Milano is yet to be confirmed, but details will be available on the official EuroLeague website.
This win provides a significant boost for Milano as they continue to fight for a favorable playoff position. The team’s ability to withstand Barcelona’s late comeback demonstrates their character and determination. For Barcelona, this loss serves as a reminder of the challenges they face in a highly competitive EuroLeague landscape.
