Madrid Return to the Final Four With Playoff Victory Over Hapoel

Real Madrid are heading back to the EuroLeague Final Four after defeating Hapoel Tel Aviv 87–81 in Game 4 of their playoff series, securing a 3–1 series victory and another place among Europe’s basketball elite. The win marks Madrid’s eleventh Final Four appearance in the last fifteen years and confirms the club’s return to the biggest stage in European basketball.

Playing in Bulgaria due to Hapoel’s relocation from Israel, Real Madrid showed composure, experience, and championship mentality throughout a tense playoff battle. Despite a difficult start in Game 4, Sergio Scariolo’s team gradually took control through strong defense, dominant rebounding, and disciplined execution on both ends of the court.

Hapoel opened the game aggressively and quickly built an early lead, fueled by its crowd and the scoring of Dan Oturu and Vasilije Micic. However, Madrid responded with a huge run in the second quarter, completely changing the game's momentum. Facundo Campazzo controlled the pace, Mario Hezonja provided scoring from the perimeter, and Usman Garuba delivered one of his best performances of the season on both offense and defense.

Garuba finished with 16 points and 6 rebounds, while Hezonja and Theo Maledon added important scoring throughout the night. Campazzo once again proved why he remains one of the leaders of this Real Madrid squad, organizing the offense and making key plays in crucial moments.

Although Hapoel fought hard in the fourth quarter and reduced the deficit, Madrid never fully lost control. Their experience in high-pressure European games shone through in the final minutes, as they slowed the tempo, protected possession, and closed out the victory with maturity and confidence.

The qualification is another major achievement for head coach Sergio Scariolo, who returned to lead the club through a difficult season filled with injuries and pressure. After missing the Final Four in 2025, Real Madrid has now reestablished itself as one of the favorites to compete for the EuroLeague title once again.

For Real Madrid supporters, the victory represents more than just another Final Four appearance. It reflects the resilience, depth, and winning mentality that have defined the club for decades. With experienced veterans, emerging young talent, and one of the strongest basketball cultures in Europe, Madrid now heads to Athens dreaming of lifting another EuroLeague trophy.

The Final Four will take place from May 22 to May 24 in Athens, where Real Madrid will once again attempt to add another historic chapter to its legendary basketball legacy.