Proud than ever: Bavaria come Europe's top

The feelings of the basketball players of FC Bayern Munich ranked somewhere between pride and disappointment. In the Euroleague quarter-finals, the five-time German champion was barely scratched past the sensational coup against title favorite FC Barcelona. The dream of historical moving into the final Four - burst. But the strong appearances were a finger at the competition: the Munich team continues to penetrate Europe's basketball leadership.

The 72:81 in the Catalan Star ensemble in the decision-making game for the final four participation "Tag", said Bavaria's Ognjen Jaramaz. For the second time in succession, the Munich failed in the play-offs in the round of the last eight in game five. "We are very disappointed because we haven't made it again," said Managing Director Marko Pesic at Magentasport.

However, there was no accusation to the team after the end - on the contrary. "I'm not depressed - I am proud of my team like never before," said coach Andrea Trinchieri and praised the character and will of his team. "I'm so proud of this culture and values."

"Root treatment without anesthesia"

The goal of establishing itself in the continental top promptly by club president Herbert Hainer is moving closer to the second play-off participation in a row. Who has the title favorite Barcelona on the edge of a defeat can also be expected in the future - right? "You can only have great respect for these boys," Pesic praised his players, who had left their heart on the floor in five games against Barça.

Over two quarters, the Münchner were even close to the historic coup on Tuesday, the first German team to reach the Final Four. The lead for the break was six points. Then the Catalans turned up and the "root canal treatment without anesthesia" suspected by Pesic became. Barça's playmaker Nicolas Laprovittola made the preliminary decision in the third quarter with 13 points.

Bayern leave the international stage, however. The move into the play-offs alone bordered a basketball miracle after the turbulent season. Two Corona eruptions whirled the schedule, players fell out, games were laid, and the training was temporarily exposed. The main round ended with a stressful away tour and three euroleague games in five days. "We somehow survived," Trinchieri summarized the eventful time.

Bayern does not have time to rest. Between May 6th and 10th, the league is about reaching second place in three games. On Friday (7 p.m.) Ratiopharm Ulm is waiting for the third in the table. Then the BG Göttingen comes to Munich before Alba Berlin will guest on the Isar. Above all, the duel with the master from the capital could be the start of the title fight. In the league play-offs there may be a dream final against Berlin.