In a landmark moment for Emirati sports, Dubai Basketball Club stunned European giants FC Barcelona with a thrilling 83–78 victory at Coca-Cola Arena, marking a historic chapter in the club’s debut EuroLeague campaign. The win, delivered in front of a roaring home crowd, signals Dubai’s arrival on the continental stage and showcases the growing competitiveness of Gulf basketball.
A Balanced Start, a Fierce Finish
The game began with both teams trading baskets in a tightly contested first half. But it was in the third and fourth quarters where Dubai truly came alive, executing a disciplined defensive strategy and capitalizing on key offensive opportunities. Barcelona, a two-time EuroLeague champion and nine-time finalist, struggled to break through Dubai’s defensive wall—a testament to the tactical preparation and resilience of the home side.
Petrusev Shines, Bacon Leads the Charge
Serbian forward Filip Petrusev delivered a standout performance, leading all scorers and anchoring Dubai’s offense with poise and precision. American star Dwayne Bacon added grit and leadership, especially in the second half, where his defensive hustle and playmaking proved decisive.
“We fought until the final buzzer,” Bacon said after the game. “Even with fatigue and a tough travel schedule, we never gave up. That’s the Dubai spirit.”
Coach Golemac: “Defense Is Our Identity”
Head coach Jurica Golemac praised his squad’s defensive commitment, highlighting their ability to contain one of Europe’s most potent offenses.
“We didn’t play perfect offense, but we held Barcelona below their usual scoring average. That was the key,” Golemac stated. “We played with heart, defended with intensity, and showed the same grit we had against Fenerbahçe in Istanbul. Defense is our path—whether we’re having a good day or a tough one.”
He also addressed the challenges of a packed schedule, noting the team’s limited training time and ongoing injury concerns. “We’ve only been together for a month, and many players joined late due to international duties. But our recent road trip helped build chemistry. Our goal is clear: to win for Dubai.”
Fans: The Sixth Man
Both coach and players credited the electric atmosphere at Coca-Cola Arena as a driving force behind the win. The crowd’s energy lifted the team during critical moments, especially when fatigue set in and errors crept in.
“What the fans did tonight was unbelievable,” Golemac said. “They were our sixth man. When our energy dipped, they lifted us.”
Bacon echoed the sentiment: “I don’t usually notice the stands during play, but seeing the arena packed was incredible. That kind of support gives us an extra push.”
A Promising Journey Ahead
Dubai Basketball Club continues to impress in its maiden EuroLeague season, proving that ambition and preparation can bridge experience gaps. With growing team chemistry and unwavering fan support, the club is poised to challenge Europe’s elite and redefine expectations for Gulf basketball.
