Hapoel Tel Aviv Secures First EuroLeague Win in Belgrade Thriller
Hapoel Tel Aviv achieved their first victory of the 2026/27 EuroLeague season on Tuesday, narrowly defeating Crvena Zvezda Belgrade 81-80 on the road. This crucial win came after an opening-night loss to Bayern Munich.
Head coach Dimitris Itoudis praised his team's performance, calling the victory "a statement" and highlighting their "character." He noted the team's collective play and ball movement, emphasizing the difficulty of winning in Belgrade. Itoudis also mentioned that the team has been hampered by injuries and other commitments, but is now integrating new players and implementing their system.
Elijah Bryant, who was named the game's most outstanding player for Hapoel, reflected on the win as a learning experience. He stated that while they will enjoy the victory, there are still areas for improvement. Bryant credited Itoudis for pushing the team to play with intensity and unity.
Zach LeDay echoed the sentiment of a hard-fought 40-minute battle, acknowledging the physical nature of the game in Belgrade. He added that despite limited time together as a team, they have stayed united and are focused on future games. LeDay also expressed comfort playing in Belgrade, considering it a "second home."
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