FC BARCELONA 76-65 BENETTON TREVISO
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A city that waited decades for this moment erupted in celebration as FC Barcelona seized the Euroleague 2002-03 crown at home with a brilliant 76-65 victory over Benetton Treviso. Almost 20 years after the first of five previous losing attempts in the final game, Barcelona got it right, taking over in the second quarter and slapping down Benetton's only solid comeback attempt in the third. Once again, Dejan Bodiroga was voted MVP for leading the champions with 20 points. A trio of three-pointers midway through the final quarter - from Sarunas Jasikevicius, Juan Carlos Navarro and Bodiroga - broke open a three-point game to give Barca an 11-point lead with 90 seconds left. Those seconds were enjoyed with euphoria by the Barca fans who had lived through so many disappointments in the final game before. Tonight, at last, was their night. The ghosts are gone for good. Barcelona is Europe's best.

INTERVIEW: DEJAN BODIROGA, FC BARCELONA

The European market was marked by a great move in the summer of 2002 when Dejan Bodiroga announced that he would move to Spain to play with FC Barcelona the same year that the Euroleague would have its final event, the Final Four, hosted in the same city. Bodiroga delivered and he stepped up with a huge performance of 20 points and 8 rebounds in the title game against Benetton Treviso of Italy to give Barcelona and its fans the first European crown after failed attempts during the last 19 years. What's more, Bodiroga even put the right end to his great Euroleague season with the MVP title of the Final Four, just as he had done the previous season when he led Panathinaikos of Greece to the title in Bologna. "Every title has its value" Bodiroga said to Euroleague.net. "The one with Barcelona makes me proud because we met high expectations."

Which do you think was the key to defeat Benetton in the final?

"First I would think the key was in the defense that our whole team played against Benetton. We stopped their transition game and the fastbreak that was their great weapon. Also the defense against Edney and their big men who play outside."

Many people might ask themselves how can you remain so concentrated even in a difficult and pressure-full situation like the final of Euroleague?

"That was a victory by the team, everyone, and personally, I like to enjoy finals as much as I can. To play a final, above all in the Euroleague, is the most fun to play. I like them and I like winning them, and for that reason I play the best I can."

What is your impression about the event organization and about Barcelona's championship repercussion in the main media of Europe?

"First, I think that basketball has won with this Final Four. With four sets of fans together and no problems, just a basketball party, everyone enjoyed their teams. The semis and the final, with 16,000 fans or more, it was a demonstration of great organization and the beautiful event that is the Final Four. Winning the Euroleague is so important for every player. To have this league is very important for every player. To win it is a precious thing, a title with weight behind it. It's a cup with a lot of prestige for any player. It's the most important."

Which Final Four was better or special for you, Bologna 2002 with Panathinaikos or Barcelona 2003 with Barca?

"Every title has its value, its importance and its memories. The one in Thessaloniki was the first, the one in Bologna we won against the predictions and this one with Barcelona makes me proud because we met high expectations."