FC Barcelona marked its long-awaited home debut in the new EuroLeague season with a high-scoring 108–102 victory over Valencia Basket on Friday night at Palau Blaugrana.
The result not only secured a much-needed win after two consecutive losses but also saw Joan Peñarroya’s team set a new club record for most points scored in a non-overtime EuroLeague game. The previous best was 107, achieved twice — in 2015 against Pinar Karsiyaka and in 2018 versus Anadolu Efes.
Despite being without injured point guards Juan Núñez and Nico Laprovittola, Barcelona’s offense ran smoothly. The team finished with 24 assists to just 13 turnovers and converted 65.1% of its two-point attempts and 47.8% from beyond the arc.
Kevin Punter led the way with 27 points and 7 assists, delivering when it mattered most. With Valencia leading 88–85 midway through the fourth quarter, Punter combined with Myles Cale and Jan Vesely to engineer an 11–1 run that shifted control back to the hosts. He later sealed the win with a series of decisive mid-range shots.
Tomas Satoransky turned in a standout all-around performance, posting 14 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and no turnovers for a performance index rating of 26. Dario Brizuela, limited by foul trouble, hit a crucial three-pointer when Valencia closed to within 96–92.
Barcelona’s offensive display overshadowed another strong effort from Valencia, which entered the game unbeaten. Pedro Martínez’s side shot 71.4% on twos, 44.8% from three, and 81.3% from the line, keeping the contest close until the final minutes.
Both clubs have now surpassed the 100-point mark twice in their opening three EuroLeague games, signaling that their offenses are among the most potent in the competition. Barcelona next faces Maccabi Tel Aviv on October 14, while Valencia hosts Hapoel Tel Aviv a day later.
