FC Barcelona takes 2-1 lead over Real Madrid

After emerging from Madrid with a 1-1 score in the series, FC Barcelona has the chance to take charge of the Spanish Liga Endesa finals. The Catalan giant did just that at home by cruising to a 94-79 victory over the clubs greatest rival to take a 2-1 series lead.

The hosts looked in control for most of the contest as Barca outgunned Madrid off the glass, claiming a whopping 71 rebounds through the game. 27 of those boards came at the offensive end as Barcelona kept the ball in the danger area consistently. While not dominating Los Blancos off the board, the Catalans poured in 16 attempts from downtown while also dishing 22 assists in an unselfish offensive display.

FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid, 94-79
FC Barcelona got off to a great start with some high energy attacking play and sent home 31 points during the first quarter. At the other end the home team started a game that would include 8 blocks by keeping Real Madrid to just 20 to lead my 11 points after 10 minutes (31-20). Los Blancos tightened up in the second stanza and the period was closer as Barca found the going tough. The teams traded through the frame, but the hosts took the second by 1 point to lead 52-40. Barcelona kept pushing in the third quarter and put the game beyond Madrid by streaming in 28 points to Real’s 23, leaving the score at 80-63. The visitors had failed to trouble Barcelona in attack and the game was beyond the team in the fourth quarter, although they did win the ten minutes 14-16.

Juan Carlos Navarro continues to turn back the clock and he scored 19 points to pace Barcelona. Brad Oleson followed with 15 points, while Nachbar secured 14 points and Marcelinho Huertas 12 points and 8 assists.

Sergio Llull led Real Madrid with 15 points, with Ioannis Bourousis taking 13 points and Carroll claiming 13 points and 8 boards.