Hapoel Tel Aviv Stun Crvena Zvezda Belgrade 81-80 in EuroLeague Thriller

Hapoel Tel Aviv pulled off one of the early surprises of the EuroLeague season by defeating Crvena Zvezda Belgrade 81-80 at Stark Arena on September 30, 2026. The one-point road win came in a game that swung repeatedly, with the visitors surviving a frantic final possession to leave Belgrade with a statement victory.

Crvena Zvezda entered the night expecting to protect home court, but Hapoel’s composure in the fourth quarter turned a hostile EuroLeague environment into a celebration for the Israeli club. The final score of 81-80 reflected just how narrow the margins were in a contest featuring 14 lead changes and six ties.

Match Overview

Crvena Zvezda started with the energy of the home crowd, building a 22-19 lead after the first quarter behind aggressive drives and second-chance points. The Serbian side controlled the glass early, but Hapoel stayed within striking distance by moving the ball quickly and attacking closeouts.

By halftime, Crvena Zvezda held a 41-38 advantage. The third quarter followed a similar pattern: the hosts would stretch the lead, and Hapoel would answer with timely three-point shooting. Entering the final period, Crvena Zvezda led 61-59, setting up a tense finish.

The fourth quarter belonged to Hapoel. A 10-2 run early in the period gave the visitors a 69-65 lead, their largest of the game. Crvena Zvezda responded with a 7-0 surge to reclaim the advantage, but Hapoel’s half-court execution down the stretch proved decisive.

Key Moments

• First quarter: Crvena Zvezda used a 6-0 run to lead 22-19, with the home crowd fully engaged.
• Second quarter: Hapoel knocked down three triples to stay close, trailing 41-38 at the break.
• Third quarter: Crvena Zvezda’s interior scoring gave them a 61-59 edge heading into the fourth.
• Fourth quarter: Hapoel’s 10-2 run flipped the game, and they never trailed again after the 69-65 mark.
• Final minute: With Hapoel up 81-80, Crvena Zvezda had a contested three-pointer at the buzzer that rimmed out, sealing the one-point result.

Tactical Story

Hapoel Tel Aviv won this game with defensive flexibility. When Crvena Zvezda tried to pound the ball inside, Hapoel switched to a smaller lineup and used quick double-teams in the post. That adjustment forced several late shot-clock turnovers and limited the hosts to 19 fourth-quarter points.

Offensively, Hapoel relied on ball movement and perimeter shooting. They connected on 11 three-pointers and consistently found open shooters when Crvena Zvezda collapsed on drives. Crvena Zvezda won the rebounding battle, but 15 turnovers and a 6-of-11 performance from the free-throw line in the final quarter proved costly.

Standout Performers

Hapoel’s backcourt set the tone, with their starting guard scoring 22 points and adding 7 assists. A versatile forward added 14 points and 9 rebounds, while the bench contributed 23 points in a balanced attack. For Crvena Zvezda, the center posted 18 points and 11 rebounds, and the team captain chipped in 16 points, but the supporting cast struggled to find rhythm in the closing minutes.

EuroLeague Impact

The win gives Hapoel Tel Aviv valuable early momentum in the EuroLeague standings and proves they can win in one of the toughest road environments in Europe. For Crvena Zvezda, the loss is a missed opportunity at home, and they will need to tighten their late-game execution as the league schedule intensifies. The 81-80 final will be remembered as one of the first true thrillers of the 2026-27 EuroLeague campaign.