FC Barcelona Tops Real Madrid in El Clasico Clash
In the latest chapter of the renowned Spanish rivalry, El Clasico, between FC Barcelona Lassa and Real Madrid; both clubs crossed paths in the Spanish Liga Endesa (ACB). It happened in Round 8 of the regular season for 2017-18, played on November 13th. This game belonged to FC Barcelona, which managed to edge out their rivals on the road, 84-80.
Everytime these two clubs meet, their fans come in droves to watch theif favorite teams do battle for honor and pride. This game was no exception.
As expected this game was close and tightly contested. The game ended up with a tied score at the end of three quarters. Boiling down to the fourth and final frame, it would be FC Barcelona that would find the extra savor in their swagger to clinch the victory. Coincidentally, this happens also to Real Madrid’s first loss in the Spanish Liga Endesa. Their impressive 7-1 record still keeps them in first place but share an identical slate with Valencia Basket (7-1). Three teams are just one game behind, with 6-2 records to round out the Top 5. They are FC Barcelona (after this key win), Fuenlabrada and Obradoiro.
Barcelona got a big boost from Frenchman, Adrien Moerman who had a team-high 19 points. Rakim Sanders also came through with a spirited effort, chipping in 13 points and five rebounds.
Real Madrid was led by Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic, but even his 20-point, 10-rebound double-double was not enough to carry his team for the win. Real Madrid’s bench was not able provide enough scoring support.
While the season is still young, however these teams represent Spain’s elite and have proven so with their strong performances so far.
It is worth noting that FC Barcelona is coming off one of its worst seasons in quite awhile in 2016-17. They stuggled throughout the season and even ended up with an uncharactersitically early exit in the league playoffs. The organization made some drastic changes, both in its roster and coaching staff. So far, it appears that the adjustments they made are paying off and the team is once again a dominant threat.
Here are the results of the other games that took place in Round 8 of the 2017-18 regular season at the Spanish ACB:
Burgos vs. UCAM Murcia, 88-86
Zaragoza vs. Iberostar Tenerife, 89-77
Andorra vs. Real Betis, 96-68
Estudiantes Madrid vs. Fuenlabrada, 69-71
Retabet Bilbao Basket vs. Valencia Basket, 77-81
Gipuzkoa San Sebastian vs. Unicaja Malaga, 71-63
Baskonia vs. Joventut, 87-77
Obradoiro vs. Gran Canaria, 79-65