FCBARCELONA.CAT

25.03.2010 22:15

All square heading to Vistalegre (63-70)

Llorenç Tarrés

Regal FC Barcelona head to Vistalegre all square in this tantalising Euroleague quarter final tie after Real Madrid secured victory on Thursday evening to level matters.

Xavi Pascual’s team won the opening encounter earlier in the week, but were unable to repeat their heroics at the second time of asking despite winning two of the four quarters against Los Merengues. The visitors’ enjoyed playing the game at their rhythm and were able to control the pace from the start as they edged into an 8-15 lead early on.

The Blaugrana were blocked going forward and the defence allowed too many easy baskets to be scored, while the central play, with Tomic in outstanding form for Madrid, was dominated by the away team.

Moving ahead

It was not until the second quarter that Barça bounced back and began to show what they are capable of once again. Jordi Trias was able to steer the home side into the lead for the first time as his effort put Barça 22-19 ahead. That did not last for long though as Madrid netted ten points without reply soon after and sped into a 25-32 advantage.

There was more to come from Barça and with the supporters baying for more they raised their game once more, even when Madrid moved eight points clear or when they reached the 50-point mark.

Comeback time

The fourth quarter was manic as the hosts mounted a surge that pushed them to within touching distance of a famous win that would have meant they could travel to Madrid feeling even more confident. Mickael helped pull the Blaugrana to within two points at 52-54 after a run of 14-4.

Just when they looked set to overtake Madrid though the visitors dug deep themselves and took advantage of Barça’s ten lost balls and were pleased to see the home team score only six of their 23 triple attempts.

That failure was to mean there would be no comeback and the teams head to the Spanish capital with one apiece from the best of five series.