One Euroleague, one ACB League, two Spanish Cups, two ACB Super Cups and two Catalan Leagues. It’s a fantastic record, which could belong to a veteran coach, but it doesn’t. This is the record of Xavi Pascual (38 years old), the Regal Barça coach. This Monday marks three years since he assumed leadership of the first team. Since that time he has emerged as an accomplished specialist in winning one-match finals.

Turning point

Pascual replaced Dusko Ivanovic at the helm of Regal Barça on February 14th, 2008. The team's performance improved to the point of qualifying for the final of the ACB League, ensuring the teams participation in the next Euroleague. Barça would begin the 2008/09 season losing the only single match final of the Xavi Pascual era: the Catalan League against Joventut. The winning of the league against Baskonia, their “bête noir” until then, launched the triumphant phase of the basketball team.

The magical year

Last season Regal Barça won four of the five competitions they competed in and their game attracted the admiration of the whole of Europe. The Palau was filled again as it had not been for some time. Pascual’s team won all their single-game finals, including the Euroleague in Paris, and the only title to elude them was the ACB League, in spite of leading throughout the season. The almost perfect year is a reflection of the work of the coaching staff who carefully prepare every game.

Three More

The Barcelona squad is not content with past successes and continues to pick up more silverware- so far this season three finals and three titles: Catalan League, Super Cup and Copa del Rey, the latter, after beating Real Madrid in a really tactical match and showing a new exhibition of collective resources. Yet another example that Xavi Pascual has become an expert in finals, and trophy collecting. He has eight in three years. Now for the Euroleague and ACB League titles!.