Barça sweeps La Laguna Tenerife and reaches the final of the Endesa League
With a resounding 85-76 in the third encounter, the blue and scarlets close the series 3-0 and secure not only the pass to the grand final but also the qualification for the Supercup 2026.
The FC Barcelona of Xavi Pascual executed their plan efficiently throughout the series to advance to the Finals of the Liga Endesa. In the decisive match against Laguna Tenerife played in the Canary Islands, the Barcelona team managed key moments well to seal a series that left no chances for the home team. The mission was accomplished with a double reward: apart from moving towards the final, where the winner between Valencia Basket and Asisa Joventut awaits, Barça secured their presence in the 2026 Super Cup.
Clyburn leads a versatile attack for Barça
Will Clyburn has been the offensive reference for the blue and scarlet team in the crucial third game. The American small forward contributed 19 points, showcasing his ability to come through in high-pressure defensive situations. His accuracy from the perimeter, including two three-pointers during moments of fluid ball movement, proved pivotal in maintaining the lead on the scoreboard when Laguna Tenerife tried to narrow the gap.
Alongside Clyburn, other players played a key role in the victory. Kevin Punter scored 17 points before being ejected due to fouls accumulation, making his mark in a game that demanded offensive versatility. Willy Hernangómez, who had limited involvement during the playoffs, pleasantly surprised with some vital minutes after halftime. His performance was crucial in Barça turning the game around in the third quarter, when the score stood at 44-45 in favor of the blue and scarlet team.
Laguna Tenerife fights with insufficient answers
The yellow and black team attempted to compete throughout the forty minutes but lacked the necessary offensive depth to stop the Barça juggernaut. Marcelinho Huertas was the leading scorer for the hosts with 17 points, while Kevin Yebo contributed 16. However, the absence of a significant contribution from Patty Mills, who could only manage to score 2 points, created a significant void in the Tenerife attack that Barça exploited.
Laguna Tenerife started the game with good sensations, taking the initiative in the early moments. After a first quarter ending with a tie at 19 points, the yellow and black team dominated the second quarter, building considerable leads like 40-26. However, Txus Vidorreta's team reacted in time, adjusting their defense and finding better offensive flow after the break.
Reaching halftime with a 42-34 deficit marked a turning point for Barça. The blue and scarlet team came out of the locker rooms with renewed energy, finding an unexpected ally in Willy Hernangómez, enabling the momentum shift. With the score at 44-45, Barça started to enjoy a better feel on the court, translating into a progressive dominance that solidified in the final quarter.
Barça built a comfortable cushion in the closing stages of the game, establishing a 68-78 lead that allowed them to manage the advantage without much difficulty. Although Laguna Tenerife tried to keep hope alive fueled by their fans, who didn't want to see the season end without a fight, the blue and scarlet team controlled the final minutes confidently. The series ended 3-0, a clean sweep reflecting the difference in resources between both teams in this crucial phase of the competition.
Heading to the final with the Super Cup secured
Barça now awaits the outcome of the other semifinal to discover their opponent in the grand final. Valencia Basket leads their series against Asisa Joventut 2-0, suggesting that the Valencian team could be very close to securing their qualification. The Liga Endesa final promises to be a highly demanding matchup, yet the blue and scarlet team enters with the confidence of having easily navigated through their semifinal.
Besides the upcoming final, Barça has already guaranteed their presence in the 2026 Super Cup, an additional achievement in a campaign demonstrating the consistency of the project led by Xavi Pascual. The adaptability shown in the third game, finding diverse offensive solutions and delivering defensively when needed, underscores why the blue and scarlet team remain contenders for the titles at stake.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Barça barre a La Laguna Tenerife y se mete en la final de la Liga Endesa
