Real Madrid Could Secure Final Four Spot in EuroLeague After Game Against Hapoel Tel Aviv. Real Madrid will play their third EuroLeague playoff game against Hapoel Tel Aviv in Bulgaria. A win will send the team to the Final Four. The match comes amid roster challenges and a demanding schedule.
Real Madrid is one step away from reaching its eleventh EuroLeague Final Four in the last fifteen years. Today, the team will play the third game of the series against Hapoel Tel Aviv, which will take place in the Bulgarian city of Botevgrad. A victory in this match will guarantee Madrid a spot among the four strongest clubs of the 2025-26 season tournament.
The meeting will be held at Botevgrad Arena, where Real Madrid already claimed victory in the regular season, though the outcome was decided only in the final seconds — 74:75. This time, the pressure is higher: Hapoel Tel Aviv did not play in its national championship over the weekend, while Real Madrid just completed an exhausting game against UCAM Murcia, winning in overtime with a score of 131:123. In that game, Mario Hezonja set a 21st-century club record for points (40) and efficiency (53 in 29 minutes on the court).
Roster losses and tactics
The absence of Edy Tavares since the start of the series has been a serious test for Real Madrid. In the first game, the team coped with the difficulties, while in the second, Usman Garuba played a key role. Nevertheless, the coaching staff notes that without Tavares, they have to restructure the defense and use new schemes, including zone formations that have not yet been fully revealed to the opponent.
In attack, Real Madrid lacks a classic sharpshooter at the shooting guard position, unlike some competitors. The main burden falls on the trio of leaders: Facundo Campazzo, Mario Hezonja, and Trey Lyles. In the last ten EuroLeague games, they have averaged a combined 40.5 points, and Campazzo has shown outstanding three-point accuracy — 61% over the last six games.
Team dynamics
Throughout the season, the compatibility between the Canadian and Hezonja has been a point of discussion. However, in the recent game against UCAM, it was their collaboration, along with Alberto Abalde’s contribution, that enabled the team to erase a 14-point deficit in 5.5 minutes and secure the victory. In the last 11 minutes of regulation, Hezonja and Lyles combined for 31 points and 44 efficiency rating, and finished the game with a total of 66 points, 21 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Head coach Sergio Scariolo emphasizes that the players have learned not only to attack, but also to work for the team in defense and in game organization. According to him, leadership is shown not only through scoring but also by helping teammates in difficult moments, which is especially important in games of this level.
Context and schedule
The match will start at 18:00 local time and will be broadcast on Movistar Plus+. The arena in Botevgrad seats about 3,500 spectators, creating a unique sense of proximity to the court. According to As.com, Real Madrid comes into the game after a demanding schedule, while their opponent has had the opportunity to properly prepare and recover.
Interest in Spanish clubs in European competitions remains high: recently in Madrid, a crucial match took place between Getafe and Rayo Vallecano, where both teams fought for key points in the battle for European spots and survival — you can read more about this matchup in the article about the derby in the capital.
Today's match in Bulgaria could prove decisive for Real Madrid in this EuroLeague season. A victory would secure their place in the Final Four ahead of schedule, despite staffing challenges and a packed calendar.
