FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.03.2010 21:55

Pascual: “Now we have to beat Partizan and finish top”

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The primary objective has been achieved, but Regal Barça want more. Xavi Pascual’s side have yet to seal home court advantage in the quarter finals.

Beating Maroussi has sent FCB into the last eight of the Euroleague, but there is still some importance attached to finishing top of the group, and to do that they’ll have to beat Partizan next week. The side from Belgrade have yet to face Panathinaikos but after they beat Regal Barça (67-66) in Pionir, the group is till wide own. But in the meantime, Barça can celebrate a win against a very plucky Greek outfit (58-85).

Xavi Pascual, head coach of Regal FC Barcelona

“ It was a difficult game. We mustn’t forget that Panathinaikos and Partizan both lost here. We ere were very strong and sealed the win in the third period.”

“I wasn’t happy in the first half because they were scoring in the final seconds of possession, and in the period we should have established a stronger lead but lost three consecutive balls. In the third period we improved in defence and speed”.

“The primary objective has been achieved. This Top 16 group was very tough. And we had to come from behind after losing to Partizan. Then we had a difficult game at home to Panathinaikos but we won well and then did the same in Greece”.

“Now we have to beat Partizan and finish top of the group.”

“We mustn’t dwell on the basket in Pionir for added motivation because there is motivation enough in this game. We can guarantee top spot and gain home court advantage.”