Real Madrid-Hapoel Tel Aviv Game Played Behind Closed Doors Amidst Protests
Madrid – Real Madrid secured a crucial victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv Tuesday night at the Movistar Arena, but the EuroLeague matchup was played in front of an empty arena following a decision by the Delegation of the Government of Madrid, citing security concerns. The game unfolded against a backdrop of protests, as demonstrators voiced opposition to the participation of Israeli teams in international competitions.
The match, part of the EuroLeague’s 33rd round, tipped off at 9:00 PM local time (21:00 CET) on March 24, 2026. Real Madrid’s win marked their 12th consecutive home victory in the EuroLeague, a significant boost as they push for a favorable playoff position. The team now sits in third place, surpassing Fenerbahce and Olympiacos, though those standings could shift as the regular season concludes. A win was particularly important given the challenging schedule ahead for Scariolo’s squad.
Protests Reflect Broader Concerns
Outside the Movistar Arena, approximately one hundred protestors gathered beginning at 6:00 PM local time, organized by BDS Madrid, to demonstrate against what they describe as the “sportswashing” of Israeli policies. Protestors carried signs and chanted slogans, asserting that “basketball should not play against genocide.” The demonstration reflects a growing movement to pressure Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories.
“We are here due to the fact that you cannot play with genocidaires, that sport cannot become a tool for whitewashing the genocide and Israeli apartheid and colonialism,” Hania Fayid of BDS Madrid told El Salto during the demonstration. The Liga Cooperativa de Basket, a grassroots basketball league, also participated, staging a symbolic shootaround to denounce what they see as the complicity of the EuroLeague and the Spanish government in allowing Hapoel Tel Aviv to compete.
The protests also extended to concerns about the ongoing military intervention involving the U.S. And Israel in the Middle East, with demonstrators arguing that the conflict in Palestine has been overshadowed by recent events. They highlighted the continued suffering of Palestinians amidst the broader regional instability.
Empty Arena, Familiar Territory for Real Madrid
This isn’t the first time Real Madrid has played a high-stakes EuroLeague game behind closed doors this season. The arena was also empty for their January match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, also due to security concerns. Despite the lack of fan support, Real Madrid managed to secure a victory in that previous game, and they hoped to replicate that success against Hapoel Tel Aviv.
And they did. Real Madrid’s offense was led by Hezonja, who recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Maledon, who contributed 13 points. The team’s strong start, fueled by 10 consecutive points from Campazzo, established an early lead. However, Hapoel Tel Aviv responded, capitalizing on their scoring opportunities in the paint with players like Oturu and Bryant. Maledon’s free throws helped maintain Madrid’s lead at the end of the first quarter, 24-19.
Madrid improved their defensive performance in the second quarter, with Tavares and Hezonja dominating the rebounding battle. A balanced offensive attack, featuring contributions from Deck, Llull, and Hezonja, extended their lead to 45-35 at halftime.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid faces a quick turnaround, hosting Anadolu Efes on Thursday. This marks the first of two EuroLeague games within 48 hours for Scariolo’s team, adding to the pressure as they strive to secure a top playoff seed and home-court advantage. Winning tonight was crucial, not only for the standings but also for the head-to-head tiebreaker against Hapoel Tel Aviv.
The team’s success at home – 15 wins in 16 games – remains a key factor in their playoff aspirations. They’ll need to maintain that dominance as they navigate a demanding schedule and continue to contend for a top spot in the EuroLeague standings.
The situation surrounding the protests and the decision to play the game behind closed doors raises questions about the intersection of sports and politics, and the challenges faced by leagues and teams in navigating sensitive geopolitical issues. The events in Madrid are likely to fuel further debate about the role of sports in addressing broader social and political concerns.
