Dubai Basketball continued its impressive opening to the 2026/27 EuroLeague season by defeating FC Barcelona 94-87 at Coca-Cola Arena on Tuesday, September 29.
The result gives the Dubai side a second consecutive victory in its second EuroLeague campaign, following the team’s dramatic 78-77 home win over Real Madrid in the opening round. Barcelona, meanwhile, suffered its first EuroLeague defeat of the season.
The game turned decisively in the second quarter. Barcelona finished the opening period 25-23 ahead, but Dubai Basketball responded with a 29-12 second-quarter surge to take a 52-37 advantage into half-time.
Dubai take control after Barcelona’s fast start
Barcelona began strongly and led 8-2 early in the contest before Dubai Basketball settled into the game. The visitors held the narrow advantage after 10 minutes, but the momentum changed rapidly in the second quarter.
Dubai produced its most effective stretch of the night during that period, combining offensive efficiency with improved control of the game to build a 15-point half-time lead.
Mfiondu Kabengele was central to the hosts’ performance. The Dubai forward finished with 21 points and six rebounds, making eight of 11 attempts from the field and all three of his three-point attempts.
McKinley Wright and Dwayne Bacon contributed 14 points each, giving Dubai a balanced scoring effort rather than relying on a single offensive option.
Barcelona fight back but Dubai stay ahead
Barcelona did not allow the sizeable half-time deficit to decide the contest.
The Spanish side won the third quarter 25-24 and continued to reduce the gap. Kevin Punter became an important source of scoring for Barcelona as the visitors tried to turn the game around.
Barcelona’s official match report said the team managed to cut into Dubai’s advantage during the second half but struggled to contain Kabengele’s offensive impact. The visitors also missed several open three-point attempts during the closing stages.
Dubai entered the final quarter with a 76-62 lead. Barcelona continued to apply pressure, but the hosts managed to score 18 points in the final period and preserve enough of their advantage to finish seven points clear.
The final quarter was also a test of Dubai’s ability to manage a game after building a substantial lead. The team avoided a complete collapse and secured its second win of the EuroLeague season.
Xavi Pascual faces former club
The victory also carried an additional storyline for Dubai head coach Xavi Pascual, who faced Barcelona after taking over as Dubai’s coach for the 2026/27 season.
Pascual previously coached Barcelona and was on the opposing bench for a game that brought together his current team and former club. Eurohoops also noted the coaching connection, with Pascual facing Barcelona coach Aleksander Sekulic, who had previously coached Dubai.
After the match, Pascual credited the home support and acknowledged that Barcelona’s response changed the character of the game.
He also pointed to areas Dubai needs to improve, including defensive rebounding, concentration and its use of fouls.
What comes next for Dubai Basketball?
Dubai Basketball’s next EuroLeague assignment is away to Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul on October 2, according to the club’s published schedule. The team then returns to Dubai for another home EuroLeague fixture against Red Star on October 8.
The early results give Dubai Basketball two victories against established European opposition in the opening stages of its second EuroLeague season. The club is also entering the campaign as the reigning ABA League champion after winning the first major title in its history last season.
For Dubai’s basketball project, the opening two EuroLeague rounds have therefore delivered victories over two high-profile Spanish opponents — Real Madrid and Barcelona — at Coca-Cola Arena.
The challenge now shifts to maintaining that level on the road as Dubai Basketball continues its 2026/27 European campaign.
What was the score between Dubai Basketball and Barcelona?
Dubai Basketball defeated FC Barcelona 94-87 at Coca-Cola Arena on September 29, 2026.
When did Dubai Basketball play Barcelona?
The game was played on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in Dubai.
Where was Dubai Basketball vs Barcelona played?
The EuroLeague game was played at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
Who led Dubai Basketball against Barcelona?
Mfiondu Kabengele led Dubai with 21 points and six rebounds. He shot 8-of-11 from the field and made all three of his three-point attempts.
How many EuroLeague games has Dubai Basketball won this season?
Dubai Basketball opened the 2026/27 EuroLeague season with two wins from two games, beating Real Madrid before defeating Barcelona.
How did Dubai Basketball build its lead?
Barcelona led 25-23 after the first quarter, but Dubai Basketball outscored Barcelona 29-12 in the second quarter to take a 52-37 half-time lead.
Who is Dubai Basketball coach Xavi Pascual?
Xavi Pascual is Dubai Basketball’s head coach for the 2026/27 season. He previously coached FC Barcelona, making the match against his former club a notable coaching reunion.
Who will Dubai Basketball play next in the EuroLeague?
Dubai Basketball’s published schedule lists Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul as its next EuroLeague opponent, with the game scheduled for October 2, 2026.
