EuroLeague: Real Madrid Opens Playoffs Against Dangerous Hapoel Tel Aviv at Movistar Arena

Madrid hosts Wednesday the start of one of the most demanding playoff matchups of the 2025/26 EuroLeague, with Real Madrid receiving Hapoel Tel Aviv. The white team arrives in excellent form and wants to capitalize on home-court advantage against a playoff debutant, but one with plenty of arguments to compete.

The Madrid team arrives at the series with imposing strength on their home court. They have won 14 consecutive games at home and present an overall record of 18-1 as the home team this season, figures that make the Movistar Arena one of the most difficult arenas on the continent.

However, Hapoel has also demonstrated character away from their home court. No team achieved more road victories in the regular season than their 10 wins as visitors, a testament to the competitive character of the squad led by Dimitris Itoudis, which should not feel the pressure of the setting despite losing the option of having home-court advantage.

On the white team's side, one of the decisive pieces is Walter Tavares. The Cape Verdean center continues to expand his European legacy and has just reached his seventh appearance on an All-EuroLeague team, tying with Juan Carlos Navarro and only behind Vassilis Spanoulis. His impact in the paint, both on defense and near the opponent's basket, could define the series.

His matchup with Dan Oturu will be one of the key interior battles, although Hapoel will try to compensate for that battle by generating advantages from the perimeter.

Here emerges the figure of Elijah Bryant, selected to the All-EuroLeague Team. His ability to score, create plays, and defend makes him the great engine of the Israeli team.

Alongside him, Chris Jones and Vasilije Micic will need to impose pace and minimize turnovers against the pressure of Facundo Campazzo, who arrives in great form after averaging 16.5 points in the last four games, plus the support of Theo Maledon.

Outside threat will not be lacking on either side. Mario Hezonja can break open the game from three-point range for the home team, while Antonio Blakeney represents a constant source of points for Hapoel.

Real Madrid starts with the backing of their home court and brilliant momentum, but Hapoel Tel Aviv arrives without complexes and with enough talent to contest every possession. Everything points to an intense series from the opening tip.