Real Madrid survived a spirited challenge from Hapoel Tel-Aviv to claim an 87-78 victory at the Menora Mivtachim Arena in a thrilling EuroLeague Regular Season clash on 8 May 2026. The Spanish giants used a dominant third-quarter burst to take control, but the home side refused to go quietly, keeping the contest alive until the final minutes.

Match Overview

Playing in front of a raucous home crowd, Hapoel Tel-Aviv matched Real Madrid’s intensity for much of the first half. The hosts led briefly in the second quarter, but a flurry of three-pointers from the visitors gave Real a 44-40 advantage at the break. The turning point came early in the third period when Real Madrid opened a 15-2 run, stretching their lead to 17 points. Hapoel responded with a 10-0 spurt of their own, trimming the deficit to single digits entering the fourth quarter.

In the final period, Real Madrid’s experience and depth proved decisive. Veteran guard Facundo Campazzo orchestrated the offense, while Guerschon Yabusele’s inside-outside game kept Hapoel’s defense off balance. The visitors maintained a steady cushion of seven to ten points down the stretch, and Hapoel could not muster the final push needed to complete a comeback.

Key Statistical Highlights

• Final Score: Hapoel Tel-Aviv 78 – Real Madrid 87
• Leading Scorers: For Real Madrid, Guerschon Yabusele (22 points, 8 rebounds); for Hapoel, J’Covan Brown (19 points, 5 assists)
• Three-Point Shooting: Real Madrid hit 12 of 28 (42.9%), while Hapoel converted 9 of 26 (34.6%)
• Rebounds: Real Madrid dominated the glass 41-33, including 14 offensive boards

Tactical Story

Real Madrid head coach Chus Mateo deployed a switching defense that disrupted Hapoel’s pick-and-roll rhythm early. However, the home side adjusted by using Johnathan Williams as a release valve in the short roll, generating several open looks. The difference maker was Real’s ability to push the tempo after missed shots – their 14 second-chance points and 18 fast-break points punished Hapoel’s occasional defensive lapses.

Offensively, Real Madrid executed a balanced attack. Yabusele punished defenders in isolation, while Campazzo (14 points, 9 assists) read Hapoel’s traps perfectly. The White and Blue also received a boost from reserve forward Džanan Musa, who scored 11 crucial points in the second half.

Standout Performers

Guerschon Yabusele (Real Madrid): The French forward was unstoppable, scoring 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-5 from deep. His ability to stretch the floor and finish through contact made him a matchup nightmare.

Facundo Campazzo (Real Madrid): The veteran point guard ran the show with poise, nearly recording a double-double. His court vision and timely steals (3) sparked Real’s transition game.

J’Covan Brown (Hapoel Tel-Aviv): The American guard carried the scoring load for the hosts, pouring in 19 points and dishing 5 assists. He kept Hapoel within striking distance during the third-quarter drought.

Impact on the EuroLeague Standings

With the win, Real Madrid improved to 22-9 on the season, cementing their position among the top four in the EuroLeague standings. The victory also extended their winning streak to five games as they push for home-court advantage in the playoffs. For Hapoel Tel-Aviv, the loss dropped them to 14-17, leaving their postseason hopes hanging by a thread. They remain in contention for a play-in spot but will need to string together wins in the remaining fixtures.

What’s Next?

Real Madrid return to action on 12 May when they host Fenerbahçe Beko Istanbul in a battle of EuroLeague heavyweights. Hapoel Tel-Aviv face a quick turnaround, traveling to Belgrade to take on Crvena Zvezda on 10 May – a must-win game if they hope to keep their playoff dream alive.