From a gala to match point: The basketball players of FC Bayern Munich can continue to dream of their historic entry into the Final Four of the EuroLeague. Coach Andrea Trinchieri’s team defeated title favorites FC Barcelona 59:52 (36:25) in the fourth quarter-final game on Friday thanks to a tremendous performance and equalized the best-of-five series to 2:2.
The decider in the fight for the final tournament in Belgrade (May 19-21) will take place on Tuesday evening (9:00 p.m.) in Barcelona.
A German team has never been in the final tournament. Bayern were the first German team to reach the playoffs in Europe’s premier class last year. In the quarterfinals against Armani Milan was the end of the line after five games.
It is a surprise that the Munich team will again reach for the semi-final ticket this year. After FC Bayern equalized the series with a win in the second game (90:75), Barca brought game three home seriously (66:75). Before the game on Friday evening in the Audi Dome, however, Trinchieri still believed in progress: “We’re still in the series,” said the coach.
FC Bayern plays big
And Bayern played big. Driven by the best FCB pitcher Nick Weiler-Babb (12 points), the hosts gained a double-digit lead early on.
The Catalans had huge problems, especially in attack, in the third quarter the star team scored just nine points. The frustration was unmistakable, Bayern then brought success easily and coolly over time.