FC Barcelona will visit Partizan Belgrade this Friday at 20:30 CET for the eighth round of the EuroLeague. This challenging away game marks an intense atmosphere as they face one of the toughest venues in European competition, but the Barça team has maintained an unbeaten record at this arena since 2010.
Last season, Barcelona managed to tame the Serbian ambiance, winning 79-87 in a game highlighted by Kevin Punter’s 18 points and Jabari Parker’s 17, both key players for the Catalan side. Tonight, they will be on opposite sides, aiming to deliver standout performances while rekindling memories of their time together at Barcelona.
Jabari Parker will be facing Barça for the first time after his two-year stint with the club from 2023 to 2025. Currently, Parker averages 11.3 points and 3.4 rebounds in the European competition and is looking to shake off a finger injury suffered in the previous Adriatic League game.
The matchup not only centers on Parker’s debut against Barça but also highlights Kevin Punter’s emotional return. Punter, who captained Partizan during his three-year tenure from 2021 to 2024, has fond memories with the club and their fans. He is eager to make an impact as he steps back into the Belgrade Arena, where he scored impressively in the past, including a remarkable 25-point performance in a match against Partizan earlier this year.
Reflecting on his upcoming clash, Punter expressed, “We need to be very focused and prepared. I’ve been speaking with Jabari to check in on him. It’s going to be fun and exciting.” Punter’s anticipation signals a profound connection to both his past with Partizan and the competitive spirit of tonight’s EuroLeague battle.