From the third season to a third chance, Barcelona Basketball has been navigating a turbulent yet determined path. Since Sarunas Jasikevicius took over the bench in the summer of 2020, Barça has stayed in the spotlight of European basketball, keeping its name at the center of discussions as the Final Four returns to Kaunas, Lithuania. The upcoming weekend carries a personal resonance for the coach, who will lead his team back to the arena where he once played in his home city, alongside a supporting club atmosphere from a devoted fanbase. These moments arrive with a high-stakes semifinal promise: a Friday evening Clasico at 20:00, broadcast on DAZN, against Real Madrid, a clash that could seal a place in the continental final. Meanwhile, Olympiacos and Monaco battle for the other semifinal spot in the draw.
“The EuroLeague is the dream for every club,” Jasikevicius notes. “Whether the Final Four lands in Kaunas or elsewhere this year, the drive to win is universal, and a victory in Dubai would feel equally meaningful.”
The coach returns to Palau with a mission to restore Barça to the top tier of European competition after a challenging period since Xavi Pascual’s departure in 2016. Since Jasikevicius arrived, the team has claimed a league title and two cups, signaling a steady, if demanding, rebuilding phase aimed at reestablishing Barça as a European powerhouse.
The central challenge remains clear: the EuroLeague crown, a prize as coveted as it is difficult to attain, with Barça hovering near the edge of Europe’s elite after 16 games and facing some of the strongest squads in the continent.
Top 5 Games of this season feature prominently in Barça’s highlights, including moments shared and celebrated by fans in social chatter and game footage. The club’s presence in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague has offered glimpses of the potential that fuels belief in a deep, memorable run.
In their pursuit of Europe’s Holy Grail, Barça and Jasikevicius laid a foundation during the initial season, aiming to push through to the final rounds with a young group that could mature into champions. Although the journey has had its share of nail-biting finishes, the club has achieved tangible progress, moving closer to the level where the very best feel the pressure of every possession and every decision.
Recent seasons have seen Barça grinding through Belgrade and other European hubs, with real Madrid repeatedly in the different lanes of the tournament. The team’s growth has been about more than results; it has been about building confidence and strategic depth. With a squad refreshed by veteran leadership and a clear sense of purpose, the coaching staff has embraced a plan that mixes discipline with bold, adaptive play in every quarter.
three in a row
For Barça fans, this marks the third major chance to push deep into the Final Four, a moment that many have anticipated since Jasikevicius first stepped into the role. The squad arrives with renewed ambition and a blend of seasoned performers who understand what it takes to win titles. The goal is clear: end a 13-year drought that has lingered in the memory of Paris and beyond, restoring Barça to its rightful place among Europe’s champions.
The coach stresses balanced expectations. “Pressure for a last four is real, and management is not easy,” he says. “Experience matters. Every player brings something unique, and while the team is eager for a strong run, we focus on the present moment and the work ahead.” Jasikevicius, a former European champion as a player, now hopes to imprint that winning ethos on his coaching tenure as well.
What about the hype surrounding a potential F4 run? Fans and media share their thoughts in the social sphere, with posts and clips illustrating the optimism and tension that accompany every step toward the Final Four.
As the team reconvenes after a rest period, Vesely and Kalinic return to full training with the squad, and the lineup is considered ready for the next challenge. The plan centers on a semifinal against Real Madrid, a formidable opponent famed for resilience and depth. Success there would leave open the path to the final, while a setback would set the stage for continued pursuit in subsequent campaigns.
Madrid presents a robust challenge with a winning tradition and a deep, seasoned roster. Jasikevicius observes that Madrid will not be easy to beat, yet Barça remains confident in its own talent pool. The coach emphasizes that the team will not rely on a single player; instead, it will leverage multiple contributors across positions, carefully weighing various matchups and tactical refinements to maximize the chances of a Final appearance.
This third chance is not just about opportunity; it’s about answering expectations and writing a new chapter for a club in the midst of renewal. The journey to Kaunas, a city already familiar to the coach and many players, carries a sense of personal and collective purpose. The Barcelona squad is prepared—physically, mentally, and strategically—to confront the semifinals and, potentially, the final, a moment that could redefine the season and the club’s future trajectory.
Beyond the court, the broader story remains a testament to Barça’s ongoing evolution under Jasikevicius. The discussions with media and fans will continue, but the team’s focus is anchored on the next game, its impact on the standings, and the dream of lifting a EuroLeague trophy once again.