And the record shows just how difficult the challenge will be. Since its creation in 2002, the Aragonese team has played 17 games at Barça's arena, with a dismal record of one win and 16 defeats. The only joy came in the 2010-2011 season, in a game that remains in the memory of the red-and-blacks because of its outcome and the way the Zaragoza team managed to claim victory in Barcelona.
The Aragonese side, coached by José Luis Abós, beat Barcelona thanks to a Sam Van Rossom basket in the final second of overtime (70-71). It was an agonizing finish that allowed the Aragonese to secure one of the most special victories in their history at the Blaugrana arena, one they have been unable to repeat ever since.
Van Rossom scored the basket that gave the Maño club its only win in Barcelona. Photo: ACBPhoto
In addition, this Saturday's game will be played on the same date, October 24, as that 2010 victory, when the Aragonese team won at the Blaugrana arena for the only time. It is a striking and unusual coincidence that adds an extra layer of intrigue to a game in which the red-and-blacks will look to pull off another upset 16 years later at one of the ACB's most difficult venues.
BARCELONA
To achieve this feat, Casademont will face a Barcelona team that is not arriving in its best form. Aleksander Sekulic's side was thrashed by Joventut Badalona in the last round (113-89) and has a record of two wins and two defeats in the league. Even so, Barça has earned both of its victories at home, where it has won every league game it has played: against Leyma Coruña (119-101) and Valencia Basket (89-86).
Gonzalo García de Vitoria's team will therefore look to beat Barça and extend its good form, adding another milestone to a start that is providing reasons for optimism. Its 3-1 record to begin the league is something the club had achieved in only two other seasons: 2013-2014, under José Luis Abós, and 2019-2020, with Porfi Fisac. Casademont now wants to take another step forward and earn a victory that has eluded it on almost every visit to Barcelona.
