Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul closed its 2025 calendar year with a hard-fought 72–71 win over FC Barcelona on Tuesday night at Ulker Sports and Event Hall. The Round 18 matchup turned into a defensive grind that was decided only in the final seconds.
Both teams struggled to find rhythm offensively, trading physical possessions and contested shots throughout the evening. Neither side reached 20 points in any quarter, underlining the tone of a game built on defensive discipline and execution.
Wade Baldwin IV and Devon Hall proved decisive late for the hosts. Baldwin converted three free throws in the final moments before Hall’s pressure defense disrupted Kevin Punter’s final attempt, which Baldwin blocked to seal the result.
Fenerbahce finished with its fourth-lowest scoring output of the season, yet held Barcelona to a season-low 71 points. The defensive performance secured the club’s eighth win in its last nine EuroLeague games.
Nicolo Melli delivered a steady interior presence, recording eight points and 10 rebounds. His rebounding helped limit Barcelona to 32 total boards and prevented second-chance opportunities down the stretch.
Barcelona nearly flipped the game behind a late surge from Dario Brizuela, who scored 12 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter. Punter followed with a three-pointer inside the final minute that briefly gave the visitors a 69–67 lead.
Baldwin answered with five points in the final 43 seconds, punishing fouls and forcing Barcelona to chase from behind. Fenerbahce closed the night shooting 75.0 percent from the free-throw line, a crucial margin in a one-point game.
The win lifted Fenerbahce to 11–6 after an impressive turnaround from a 3–5 start. Barcelona, revitalized under Xavi Pascual, fell to 12–6 despite another competitive road showing.
Barcelona hosts AS Monaco on December 30, while Fenerbahce travels to face Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on January 2.
