Real Madrid Secures EuroLeague Final Four Berth After Tense Series

Key facts

• Real Madrid defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv 87-81 in Game 4.
• The victory confirmed Real Madrid's place in the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four.
• The Final Four will be held at OAKA Arena from May 22-24.
• Usman Garuba scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds for Real Madrid.
• Daniel Oturu led Hapoel Tel Aviv with 29 points and seven rebounds.
• Walter Tavares of Real Madrid was injured early in Game 1.
• Olympiacos B.C. is the other confirmed participant in the Final Four.

Real Madrid Claims Second Final Four Spot

Real Madrid has officially secured its place in the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four, becoming the second team to confirm their attendance at the prestigious tournament. The Spanish giants clinched the victory with an 87-81 win over Hapoel Tel Aviv in a hard-fought Game 4. This marks their return to the final stages of European club basketball after missing out last season. The decisive game, played in Botevgrad, saw Real Madrid maintain control for much of the contest. Despite Hapoel Tel Aviv’s persistent efforts to mount a comeback, Sergio Scariolo’s squad held firm to seal their advancement. The Final Four is scheduled to take place at the OAKA Arena from May 22 to May 24.

A Series Defined by Resilience and Key Performances

The path to the Final Four was not without its challenges for Real Madrid. The team failed to capitalize on their initial opportunity to close out the series in Game 3, a setback that highlighted the competitive nature of their opponent. However, the club demonstrated composure, utilizing their second chance to secure the crucial win. In the absence of key player Walter Tavares, who sustained an injury just minutes into Game 1, other members of the Real Madrid roster stepped up significantly. Usman Garuba was instrumental in Game 4, contributing 16 points and six rebounds. He was supported by Mario Hezonja and Théo Maledon, who each added 14 points, while Facundo Campazzo delivered a strong all-around performance with 11 points and seven assists. Trey Lyles also chipped in with 10 points.

Hapoel Tel Aviv's Standout Efforts

Despite the series loss, Hapoel Tel Aviv showcased considerable grit and individual brilliance. The team's offensive efforts in Game 4 were largely spearheaded by Daniel Oturu, who delivered an impressive 29 points along with seven rebounds. Vasilije Micić also had a standout game, recording 18 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds with minimal turnovers. Elijah Bryant contributed 12 points to Hapoel's tally, while Kessler Edwards rounded out the double-figure scorers with 10 points and five rebounds. The team fought valiantly until the final buzzer, pushing Real Madrid to their limits and demonstrating why they were a formidable opponent throughout the playoff series.

Coach Scariolo Emphasizes Detail and Freshness

Prior to the pivotal Game 4, coach Sergio Scariolo acknowledged the fine margins that separate evenly matched teams. He stressed the need for his squad to regain their usual freshness and make specific defensive adjustments, while also seeking greater clarity in their offensive execution. Scariolo noted that identifying and exploiting advantages, regardless of the player involved, was crucial. "When you play against a team of your same level, it reaches a point where the details decide the outcome," Scariolo stated, recognizing the heightened pressure on Hapoel Tel Aviv as an elimination game. He suggested that Hapoel had a slight edge in urgency due to their must-win situation, underscoring the mental fortitude required from his own team.

Looking Ahead in the EuroLeague

With Real Madrid's qualification confirmed, attention now turns to the remaining playoff series to determine their Final Four opponent. The semifinal matchup will be decided by the series between Valencia Basket and Panathinaikos BC. Panathinaikos currently holds an advantage, leading the series 2-1 heading into their next home game. Real Madrid now prepares for the culmination of the EuroLeague season, aiming to add to their record 11 titles. The club's objective is clear: to win the series in four games, as one of their players remarked, acknowledging the difficulty of defeating a top team multiple times consecutively but expressing confidence in their ability to close out the championship.

The bottom line

• Real Madrid has secured a spot in the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four by defeating Hapoel Tel Aviv.
• The team overcame the absence of injured player Walter Tavares to achieve victory.
• Key players like Usman Garuba, Mario Hezonja, and Facundo Campazzo delivered strong performances for Real Madrid.
• Hapoel Tel Aviv's Daniel Oturu and Vasilije Micić were standout performers in the losing effort.
• Coach Sergio Scariolo highlighted the importance of details and freshness in close playoff contests.
• Real Madrid awaits the outcome of the Valencia Basket vs. Panathinaikos BC series to know their semifinal opponent.