Vassilis Spanoulis calls out Joan Peñarroya after Monaco – Barcelona: « It’s not right »

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.

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Apr 30, 2025

Gabriel Pantel-Jouve

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. »