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

Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a significant 92-81 victory over Real Madrid in Sofia, Bulgaria, showcasing remarkable resilience in a rollercoaster EuroLeague game. The Israeli team established a commanding 20-point lead by halftime, with strong performances from Zach LeDay and Bruno Caboclo, who contributed 13 and 12 points respectively in the first half, while Vasilije Micic added 14. Hapoel's offense was efficient, shooting nine three-pointers and distributing the ball effectively, leading to a dominant 63-43 advantage at the break.

However, Real Madrid mounted an aggressive comeback in the third quarter, erasing the deficit with a 32-11 run, fueled by players like Theo Maledon and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot. The Spanish powerhouse even took a brief lead in the fourth quarter, making the score 75-77. This period tested Hapoel's resolve, especially after losing their substantial lead.

Despite the collapse, Hapoel Tel Aviv regrouped, demonstrating the character expected of a top team. They responded with a decisive 17-4 run, spearheaded by their defense and patient offense, to reclaim control of the game. Key players like Caboclo, who started in the lineup and hit four early three-pointers, and LeDay were instrumental, as was the team's ability to adjust and execute under pressure.

The win improves Hapoel Tel Aviv's EuroLeague record to 2-1, following a narrow victory over Crvena Zvezda Belgrade just two days prior. For Real Madrid, this loss marks a concerning 0-3 start to their EuroLeague season, their worst ever in the competition, raising questions about their early-season form.

Coach Dimitris Itoudis highlighted the team's ability to overcome adversity as a crucial factor, emphasizing that their response to the crisis was as important as their strong first-half performance. The victory sends a strong message to the rest of the EuroLeague, indicating Hapoel's ambition to compete at the highest level.