FCBARCELONA.CAT

An unusual preseason

AXA FC Barcelona had an unusual preseason due to the lack of time as a result of the European Championship. They missed out both the Liga Catalana and the Supercopa ACB.

Once the European Championship had concluded, AXA Barça’s internationals had to report straight back for duty. Half the side, Basile, Marconato, Lakovic, Ilyasova and Kasun, were involved, as well as Michel Morandais who was called in as temporary cover for Alex Acker. First up was DKV Joventut, who had had most of their resources available for a normal preseason, meaning it was all too much of an ask.

At the Pabellón Olímpico in Badalona, Barça had no chance. They were the better side from start to finish and cruised into the Catalan final 60-83. Aíto García Reneses’s side later collected the trophy by beating Akasvayu 84-66.

Iurbentia the surprise team of the season

A week later, Barça went to Bilbao for the Supercopa ACB. As Copa del Rey champions, this was Barça’s first official state game of the season, where they met ACB champions Real Madrid, best European team TAU, and host club Iurbentia.

The game with Bilbao was not expected to cause too many problems. But Txus Vidorreta’s side was under no pressure and played relaxed basketball with the crowd on their side, and were frankly more ambitious, by the end there being no doubt that they were deserved, but surprising, winners. It ended 74-67 and that was the end of the Super Cup for AXA Barça. It ended in all Basque final, with TAU of Vitoria eventually lifting the trophy.