A masterclass and one win away from the Final Four

Real Madrid is one step away from the Final Four of the EuroLeague after defeating Hapoel Tel Aviv again in the second game played at the Movistar Arena. Our team managed to go up 2-0 before the series moves to the Arena Botevgrad in Bulgaria, where on Tuesday (6:00 pm CEST) they will have their first chance to close out the series. Despite the absence of Tavares, the team delivered a great performance, with a sensational second half (62-33), finishing with a commanding 102-75 victory. It was a tremendous team effort, with standout performances from Campazzo (23 points and 30 PIR), Garuba (13 and 21), and Maledon (13 and 14).

The game started with an exchange of baskets, with Campazzo (7 points) and Hezonja (6) leading our team. Hapoel managed to take the lead thanks to Elijah and Oturu (15-21; min. 8), but before the end of the first quarter, Maledon and Feliz, along with Deck and Garuba, gave Scariolo's team the advantage (24-21).

Hapoel leads at halftime
The visitors quickly tied the score with a three-pointer from Jones. Madrid responded immediately and, thanks to strong defensive work, built a +7 lead (33-26; min. 14). The Israeli team stepped up their game, and 6 points from Blakeney, along with 5 from Oturu, allowed them to regain the lead (36-38). Turnovers and a lack of accuracy hurt our team, which trailed 40-42 at halftime.

Reaction and showcase
Real Madrid's best minutes came after the break. Feliz, Garuba, Campazzo, with 5 points in a minute, and a three-pointer from Hezonja, gave the team its largest lead so far (54-46; min. 24). After a 0-5 run by Hapoel, Campazzo and Garuba stepped up again to maintain the team's advantage. Feliz and Okeke also joined the effort to further extend the lead (63-51; min. 27). Our team shone on offense and, after delivering a 33-20 quarter, entered the final quarter with a 73-62 lead.

The scoring pace slowed at the start of the final quarter, marked by continuous interruptions. A basket by Micic, who was later ejected, was countered by Deck and Campazzo (78-67, min. 33). The team remained hungry, and the Argentine and Lyles scored from beyond the arc to extend the lead to +16 (83-67). Staying focused on rebounds, the madridistas gave Hapoel no opportunities, eventually pulling ahead by 25 points (93-68; min. 38). Real Madrid didn't let up and secured a 2-0 lead in the series with a commanding 102-75 victory. On Tuesday, they will aim to secure their spot in the Final Four.

Statistics from Real Madrid-Hapoel Tel Aviv

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.