In the high stakes world of European basketball few encounters generate as much excitement as when KK Crvena Zvezda faces FC Barcelona Bàsquet. The December 27, 2024 EuroLeague showdown between these basketball powerhouses delivered incredible performances and statistical highlights worth analyzing in detail. Let’s dive deep into the KK Crvena Zvezda vs FC Barcelona Bàsquet match player stats to understand the key factors that determined this thrilling contest.
Table of Contents
The Dramatic Showdown: KK Crvena Zvezda vs FC Barcelona Bàsquet
When KK Crvena Zvezda and FC Barcelona Bàsquet met in Round 18 of the 2024-25 EuroLeague season, basketball fans witnessed an intense battle that ultimately ended with a 78-74 victory for the Serbian side. The match, played at the iconic Palau Blaugrana in Barcelona, featured outstanding individual performances from both sides, with players delivering remarkable statistical outputs across various categories.
This victory was particularly significant for Crvena Zvezda as they claimed a crucial road win against a perennial EuroLeague contender. The close four-point margin highlighted the competitive nature of the encounter, with both teams showcasing their talent and tactical prowess throughout all four quarters.
KK Crvena Zvezda’s Key Performers and Statistical Highlights
The Serbian powerhouse demonstrated impressive team chemistry and individual brilliance en route to their important victory. Let’s examine the standout performers and their statistical contributions in this KK Crvena Zvezda vs FC Barcelona Bàsquet match.
Filip Petrusev: The Offensive Centerpiece
Filip Petrusev emerged as the offensive leader for Crvena Zvezda, delivering an exceptional performance with 17 points in just over 20 minutes of play. The talented center showcased remarkable efficiency, making the most of his opportunities on the floor. Petrusev’s scoring output was complemented by 2 rebounds and 1 assist, resulting in an impressive Performance Index Rating (PIR) of 19, the highest among all Crvena Zvezda players.
What made Petrusev’s performance particularly noteworthy was his shooting efficiency. He connected on a high percentage of his attempts, providing a reliable scoring option for Crvena Zvezda whenever they needed a basket. His ability to score against Barcelona’s formidable frontcourt proved instrumental in securing the victory.
Joel Bolomboy: Rebounding Dominance
If Petrusev was the offensive engine, Joel Bolomboy was undoubtedly the defensive anchor for Crvena Zvezda. The powerful forward collected an outstanding 9 rebounds (4 offensive, 5 defensive), showcasing his prowess on both ends of the glass. His rebounding dominance gave Crvena Zvezda crucial second-chance opportunities while limiting Barcelona’s possessions.
Beyond his rebounding, Bolomboy contributed 8 points and 1 assist in 24 minutes of action. His all-around impact resulted in a PIR of 17, underscoring his value to the team’s success. Bolomboy’s ability to control the paint and secure rebounds against Barcelona’s frontcourt was a decisive factor in the final outcome.
Nikola Kalinic: Veteran Leadership
Experienced forward Nikola Kalinic delivered a complete performance, scoring 12 points while adding 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in nearly 29 minutes of play. His PIR of 13 reflected his all-around contribution to the victory. Kalinic’s veteran presence and defensive awareness proved crucial in critical moments, particularly in the fourth quarter when Barcelona attempted to mount a comeback.
The two steals recorded by Kalinic demonstrated his defensive instincts and ability to disrupt Barcelona’s offensive sets. His leadership on both ends of the court helped steady Crvena Zvezda during tense moments of the contest.
Mike Daum and Yago Dos Santos: Valuable Contributions
Mike Daum provided important scoring punch off the bench with 11 points and 5 rebounds in 22 minutes, earning a PIR of 9. Meanwhile, point guard Yago Dos Santos efficiently managed the offense while contributing 9 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in 17 minutes of action. Dos Santos’ ability to penetrate Barcelona’s defense and create opportunities for teammates was evident throughout the contest.
FC Barcelona Bàsquet’s Statistical Standouts Despite Defeat

Although Barcelona ultimately fell short on the scoreboard, several players delivered impressive statistical performances that merit recognition in this KK Crvena Zvezda vs FC Barcelona Bàsquet player stats analysis.
Chimezie Metu: Barcelona’s Bright Spot
Chimezie Metu emerged as Barcelona’s top performer with a game-high PIR of 21. The athletic forward accumulated 16 points and 6 defensive rebounds in 22 minutes of play. Metu’s shooting efficiency was particularly remarkable, as he connected on 3 of 4 two-point attempts (75%) and an even more impressive 3 of 3 from beyond the arc (100%).
Metu’s perfect shooting from three-point range helped Barcelona stay competitive throughout the contest. His ability to stretch the floor and create spacing was an important element of Barcelona’s offensive strategy against Crvena Zvezda’s defense.
Tomas Satoransky: Playmaking Excellence
Veteran guard Tomas Satoransky orchestrated Barcelona’s offense with precision, dishing out a game-high 8 assists while adding 7 points and 2 rebounds in 24 minutes. His PIR of 15 reflected his significant impact on the game despite the team’s defeat. Satoransky’s court vision and decision-making ability were evident as he consistently found open teammates for quality scoring opportunities.
Willy Hernangomez: Interior Presence
Center Willy Hernangomez provided valuable production in limited minutes, recording 7 points, 3 rebounds (2 offensive), and a team-high 3 steals in under 15 minutes of action. His PIR of 15 highlighted his efficiency during his time on the court. Hernangomez’s defensive activity was particularly noteworthy, as his 3 steals disrupted Crvena Zvezda’s offensive flow multiple times during the contest.
Team Statistical Comparison: The Numbers Behind the Result
A comprehensive comparison of team statistics reveals interesting insights into how this KK Crvena Zvezda vs FC Barcelona Bàsquet match unfolded and ultimately concluded with a Crvena Zvezda victory.
Rebounding Battle: Crvena Zvezda’s Crucial Edge
One of the most significant statistical disparities came on the glass, where Crvena Zvezda secured 38 total rebounds (12 offensive, 26 defensive) compared to Barcelona’s 30 rebounds (7 offensive, 23 defensive). This rebounding advantage, particularly on the offensive end, allowed Crvena Zvezda to generate additional scoring opportunities and limit Barcelona’s transition chances.
The rebounding dominance was a team effort for Crvena Zvezda, with Joel Bolomboy leading the way with 9 boards. This ability to control the glass proved to be a decisive factor in the outcome of this closely contested match.
Shooting Efficiency: Mixed Results
Barcelona displayed superior three-point shooting, connecting on 40.0% of their attempts (10-of-25) compared to Crvena Zvezda’s 34.8%. However, Crvena Zvezda was more efficient from the free-throw line, making 83.3% of their attempts (20-of-24) versus Barcelona’s 61.5% (8-of-13).
This free-throw disparity proved crucial in a game decided by just four points. Crvena Zvezda’s ability to capitalize on their trips to the charity stripe provided the margin of victory in this tightly contested battle.
Ball Movement and Turnovers: Contrasting Approaches
Barcelona recorded 18 assists against 15 turnovers, while Crvena Zvezda had 17 assists and 12 turnovers. While Barcelona created slightly more assists, Crvena Zvezda’s better ball security (fewer turnovers) helped them maintain possession and limit Barcelona’s opportunities for easy transition baskets.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown: How the Game Unfolded
The KK Crvena Zvezda vs FC Barcelona Bàsquet match featured distinct momentum shifts throughout its four quarters. Understanding the flow of the game provides important context for interpreting the final player statistics.
First Quarter: Crvena Zvezda Establishes Early Lead
Crvena Zvezda started strong, outscoring Barcelona 19-15 in the opening period. This early advantage was built on strong shooting and defensive intensity, setting the tone for the rest of the contest.
Second Quarter: Barcelona Responds
Barcelona answered in the second quarter, winning the period 20-15 to take a narrow 35-34 halftime lead. During this stretch, Barcelona’s outside shooting improved, with several players connecting from beyond the arc.
Third Quarter: Offensive Showcase
The third quarter saw both teams trading baskets in an offensive-minded period. Barcelona edged Crvena Zvezda 24-22, extending their lead to 59-56 heading into the final quarter. This period featured impressive shotmaking from both sides, with stars from each team demonstrating their scoring abilities.
Fourth Quarter: Crvena Zvezda’s Decisive Finish
Crvena Zvezda saved their best for last, dominating the final quarter 22-15 to secure the come-from-behind victory. Their defensive intensity increased noticeably during this stretch, forcing Barcelona into difficult shots and turnovers. Meanwhile, Crvena Zvezda executed efficiently on offense, making crucial baskets in the closing minutes to seal the win.
The Impact on EuroLeague Standings
This KK Crvena Zvezda vs FC Barcelona Bàsquet result had significant implications for the 2024-25 EuroLeague standings. The win improved Crvena Zvezda’s position in the playoff race, boosting them to the 6th spot with a 10-8 record. Meanwhile, Barcelona dropped to 9-9, highlighting how crucial this single result was in the tightly contested EuroLeague table.
For Crvena Zvezda, securing road wins against established EuroLeague powerhouses like Barcelona is essential for their ambitions of reaching the playoffs and potentially advancing further. The victory demonstrated their ability to compete with elite teams away from home, a quality that will serve them well as the season progresses.
Individual Matchups: Key Statistical Battles
Several fascinating head-to-head statistical battles emerged from this KK Crvena Zvezda vs FC Barcelona Bàsquet match, providing deeper insight into how the game unfolded.
Frontcourt Production: Petrusev vs. Metu
The matchup between Filip Petrusev and Chimezie Metu represented one of the game’s most intriguing statistical duels. Petrusev finished with 17 points and a PIR of 19, while Metu recorded 16 points and a game-high PIR of 21. Both players showcased impressive efficiency and scoring touch, with their production nearly canceling each other out.
Playmaking Battle: Satoransky vs. Dos Santos
The contrast in playing styles between Barcelona’s Tomas Satoransky and Crvena Zvezda’s Yago Dos Santos was evident in their statistical outputs. Satoransky focused primarily on distribution with 8 assists, while Dos Santos balanced scoring (9 points) with playmaking (3 assists). This matchup at the point guard position highlighted different approaches to orchestrating team offense.
Statistical Standouts: Performance Index Rating Leaders

The Performance Index Rating (PIR) provides a comprehensive metric for evaluating overall player impact. In this KK Crvena Zvezda vs FC Barcelona Bàsquet contest, several players registered impressive PIR figures:
- Chimezie Metu (Barcelona): 21 PIR
- Filip Petrusev (Crvena Zvezda): 19 PIR
- Joel Bolomboy (Crvena Zvezda): 17 PIR
- Tomas Satoransky (Barcelona): 15 PIR
- Willy Hernangomez (Barcelona): 15 PIR
Interestingly, despite having three of the top five PIR performers, Barcelona still fell short on the scoreboard. This underscores the importance of team performance and execution in critical moments, rather than simply individual statistical excellence.
Tactical Elements Behind the Statistics
The statistical outputs from this KK Crvena Zvezda vs FC Barcelona Bàsquet match reflect the tactical approaches employed by both coaching staffs.
Crvena Zvezda’s Balanced Attack
Crvena Zvezda head coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos implemented a balanced offensive approach, with six players scoring 7 or more points. This distribution of scoring responsibilities made it difficult for Barcelona to focus their defensive attention on any single player. The strategy also kept Crvena Zvezda’s offensive players fresh throughout the game, particularly important during the decisive fourth quarter.
Barcelona’s Reliance on Three-Point Shooting
Barcelona coach Joan Penarroya emphasized three-point shooting as a key element of the offensive gameplan, with the team attempting 25 shots from beyond the arc (making 10). While this approach generated periods of offensive success, it also led to some dry spells when the outside shots weren’t falling, particularly in the crucial fourth quarter.
Conclusion
The comprehensive statistical analysis of this KK Crvena Zvezda vs FC Barcelona Bàsquet matchup reveals several key factors that determined the final outcome. Crvena Zvezda’s advantages in rebounding, free-throw shooting, and fourth-quarter execution ultimately proved decisive in securing their important road victory.
Individual standouts like Filip Petrusev, Joel Bolomboy, and Nikola Kalinic for Crvena Zvezda, along with Chimezie Metu and Tomas Satoransky for Barcelona, delivered impressive statistical performances that showcased the high level of talent on both rosters.
FAQS
Where can fans track live player stats for KK Crvena Zvezda vs FC Barcelona Bàsquet games?
Platforms like Sofascore, Euroleague Basketball, and Flashscore offer real-time stats, including points, rebounds, and PIR. For the December 27, 2024, game, Sofascore tracked Petrusev’s 17 points and Metu’s 21 PIR live, ensuring fans stay updated (web:5, web:7).
What unique live stats highlight Crvena Zvezda’s edge over Barcelona?
Advanced metrics like offensive rebounds (12 vs. 7) and turnover differential (12 vs. 15) were pivotal. Bolomboy’s 4 offensive rebounds, tracked live on 3StepsBasket, gave Crvena Zvezda second-chance points, a key factor in their 78-74 win (web:2, web:21).
Why does this matchup’s live stats search rank high on Google?
The rivalry’s intensity, fueled by Crvena Zvezda’s upset and stars like Petrusev and Metu, drives fan interest. X posts and Euroleague’s popularity amplify searches, with Sofascore’s live updates boosting visibility for real-time stats (web:5, post:0).