Monaco falls to Barcelona in Game 3, now leads only 2-1
Apr 30, 2025
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Vassilis Spanoulis calls out Joan Peñarroya after Monaco – Barcelona: « It’s not right »
EuroLeague - Monaco coach Vassilis Spanoulis strongly responded to Joan Peñarroya's comments after Game 3 between Monaco and Barcelona, won by the Catalans (100-89). The Greek coach defended the Roca Team's physical but clean playing style.
Photo Credit : Sébastien Grasset
Vassilis Spanoulis didn’t appreciate Joan Peñarroya’s implications before Game 3 between Monaco and Barcelona. After the Roca Team’s defeat (100-89), the Greek coach used the press conference to defend his players and set the record straight.
Spanoulis: « We play physical but clean »
Before the third game of this EuroLeague playoff series, Joan Peñarroya had suggested that AS Monaco used « different methods to win games. » These comments were not well received by Vassilis Spanoulis, who responded firmly: « I read what Barcelona’s coach said. We don’t make dirty plays. I didn’t like that. We play physical, but very clean. » He then congratulated the Catalans: « They wanted it more tonight. »
In the press conference, Joan Peñarroya tried to defuse the situation, stating it was a misunderstanding: « I have a lot of respect for Spanoulis. I think he misinterpreted my comments. I lost two games, and I congratulated my opponent without looking for excuses. Someone may have mistranslated my statements. »
Defense struggled according to the Greek coach
Beyond the controversy, Vassilis Spanoulis also analyzed Monaco’s defeat: « They got 14 offensive rebounds, we need to defend better and box out. We were very good offensively with 23 assists and great 3-point shooting (13/27), but defensively, we weren’t at our usual level. »
The former Panathinaikos and Olympiakos player also noted that Barcelona’s bench players made a real difference: « The players coming off the bench did a very good job. They contributed a lot, unlike in previous games. »
With this win, Barcelona keeps the series alive (Monaco leads 2-1) and can dream of a Game 5 in the principality. Spanoulis expects a reaction: « I’m going to ask my players to play harder. »
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve is the founder and editor-in-chief of BeBasket, which he has been running since 2010 (formerly known as Catch & Shoot). Having studied at the École Publique de Journalisme de Tours and two universities in North America, he has developed his expertise in French basketball, from the National League to amateur divisions, over the past 20 years. Alongside this, he is also involved in the development of clubs in the Montpellier area.
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