Xavi Costa: The Sharpest Tool in the Shed

Today, we’re analysing the Noia vs Reus game, which ended 3-4 for the locals. It’s a thrilling start for CHAMPIONS. Let’s take a moment to celebrate—the European competitions are back, and so is the excitement.

Keep reading, Aussie—I’m looking at you.

How to Dive Into the Analysis:

Watch the video.
Follow the breakdown.
Match the analysis with the video (start at 2:09).

My Not-So-Humble Analysis

Restarting Play

As expected, Reus begins with their signature high-pressure defence. While it’s not full-court (40 metres), they’re pressing hard at 20 metres. Meanwhile, Noia’s Jordi Bargalló (#9) is back in action.

Bargalló and Humberto Mendes (#32) restart the play. Bargalló wastes no time, passing quickly to Martí Gabarró (#27). Gabarró is a standout—fast, skilful, and sharp. This pass serves two purposes: it reduces the defensive pressure and forces Gabarró’s lone defender to step back, respecting his skills.

Transitioning

Gabarró assesses his options but doesn’t see a clear advantage. With the ball stationary and facing a one-on-one scenario, he opts for a safer move: passing back to Bargalló.

Bargalló advances along the wall, using his positioning to maximise space. Meanwhile, Xavi Costa (#6) skates towards Gabarró to create a blocking option, further releasing pressure. As Gabarró passes the ball back, Costa switches gears and retreats to reset the formation.

Not all transitions are counter attacks, but all counterattacks are transitions.

Setting Up a Positional Attack

Although the sequence is quick, Bargalló slows down slightly as he crosses into Reus’ territory, transitioning the play into a positional attack.

Here’s the setup: Mendes screens Bargalló and begins cutting in. Gabarró positions himself in zone 0, creating space and maintaining balance while keeping the weak-side option alive. Costa, meanwhile, is stationed at 3 on the weak side. Notably, there’s no Noia player in the 9 position—Humberto’s cut and Gabarró’s placement open up some intriguing space dynamics.

Finding the Gaps

As Mendes cuts in, Costa makes a decisive move, cutting into the gap left behind. It’s a well-timed sequence that relies on Mendes providing an indirect block.

The critical moment comes when Bargalló’s pass is intercepted by Reus defenders. However, Xavi Costa is there to capitalise. Picking up not one but two rebounds, Costa finds himself in the perfect position.

Some might call it luck, but this is more about instinct and awareness—right place, right time. Costa seizes the opportunity and, free from defenders, executes a flawless shot into the top corner.

This goal highlights why Costa is one of the sharpest tools in the shed. From spatial awareness to execution, this play showcases his mastery of the game.

Grab a stick & keep skating!