On March 24, 2026, in a high-stakes EuroLeague clash played behind closed doors at the Movistar Arena, Real Madrid Baloncesto delivered a composed and authoritative 92–83 victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv BC, strengthening their push for a top playoff position and extending their remarkable home winning streak.
Real Madrid Baloncesto wasted no time asserting control, orchestrated by Facundo Campazzo’s brilliance. The Argentine guard dictated the tempo early, scoring efficiently and facilitating the offence with precision. His explosive opening spell, highlighted by near-perfect shooting and quick ball movement, propelled the hosts to a 24-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. Hapoel, led by the offensive threats of Elijah Bryant and Daniel Oturu, stayed within reach but struggled to break down Madrid’s defensive structure.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with Real Madrid Baloncesto tightening its defensive grip while maintaining offensive fluidity. Contributions across the roster, particularly from Mario Hezonja and Théo Maledon, allowed the home side to gradually stretch the lead. By halftime, Madrid held a 45-35 advantage, reflecting both their efficiency and defensive discipline.
The defining stretch came midway through the third quarter. Madrid elevated their intensity on both ends, combining physical defence with rapid transitions. With Trey Lyles and Gabriel Deck anchoring the defensive effort, Hapoel found themselves increasingly suffocated. Offensively, Madrid’s rotations proved decisive. The backcourt pairing of Campazzo and Maledon, alongside impactful minutes from Andrés Feliz, allowed the team to maintain tempo and scoring balance. The result was a commanding run that pushed the margin close to 20 points (63-45), placing Madrid firmly in control.
To their credit, Hapoel refused to collapse. Chris Jones spearheaded a late third-quarter response, attacking the rim aggressively and narrowing the deficit to 71-60 heading into the final period. However, any hopes of a comeback were swiftly extinguished. Real Madrid Baloncesto’s second unit delivered the decisive blow: Feliz hit from long range, Lyles dominated inside, and Usman Garuba imposed himself defensively in the paint. A renewed surge extended the lead to 84-62 with just over six minutes remaining, effectively sealing the contest.
With the outcome no longer in doubt, head coach Sergio Scariolo rotated his squad, ensuring a composed close to the game. Despite a slight late push from Hapoel, Madrid maintained control to secure a deserved 92-83 victory.
Mario Hezonja delivered a dominant two-way performance with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Théo Maledon added 13 points to provide a crucial offensive spark. Facundo Campazzo set the tone early with game-changing leadership in the first quarter, effectively orchestrating Madrid’s play. Despite the team’s control, Chris Jones led Hapoel’s late resistance with 15 points, keeping the contest competitive down the stretch. Real Madrid Baloncesto also showcased impressive depth, with five players scoring in double figures, underscoring the collective strength and balance of their performance.
I had the opportunity to attend the post-game press conference, which included the head coach of Hapoel Tel Aviv BC, Dimitrios Itoudis and the head coach of Real Madrid Baloncesto, Sergio Scariolo.
This was a victory built on defensive intensity and squad depth. Real Madrid Baloncesto neutralized Hapoel’s primary scoring options, controlled the tempo through disciplined guard play, and relied on a deep rotation to sustain pressure across all four quarters. The result not only secures a crucial win over a direct rival but also elevates Madrid into a stronger playoff position while extending their dominance at home to 12 consecutive EuroLeague victories.