Hapoel Tel Aviv Stages Dramatic Comeback to Defeat Real Madrid in EuroLeague

Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a thrilling 102-98 victory over Real Madrid in Sofia, Bulgaria, in a EuroLeague clash that saw the Israeli team overcome a significant deficit. Hapoel dominated the first half, leading by as much as 22 points in the third quarter with a score of 67-45. However, Real Madrid mounted an impressive comeback, stunning the crowd in Sofia.

Just as Real Madrid seemed poised to take control, Hapoel's Elijah Bryant stepped up, leading the team to their second consecutive win and improving their EuroLeague record to 2-1. Bryant was instrumental in the victory, flirting with a triple-double and finishing with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists, earning a game-high efficiency rating of 40. This marks the first time in EuroLeague history that Real Madrid has started the season with a 0-3 record.

Other key contributors for Hapoel included Vasilije Micić, who scored 22 points, and Bruno Caboclo and Zach Leday, who each added 15 points. Caboclo was particularly effective from three-point range, making all 5 of his attempts. Leday had a strong start, scoring 11 points in the first quarter and helping Hapoel build an early 29-20 lead.

Real Madrid's comeback was fueled by strong performances from Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot (21 points), Théo Maledon (26 points), and Walter Tavares (14 points, 13 rebounds), who spearheaded a remarkable 30-7 run. Despite the momentum shift, Hapoel Tel Aviv showed resilience, with Antonio Blakeney also contributing 12 points, particularly in the decisive final quarter.