Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid overcame an early injury to key center Walter Tavares to defeat Hapoel Tel Aviv 86-82 in Game 1 of their EuroLeague Playoff series on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Movistar Arena. The victory gives Real Madrid a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
The game took a concerning turn for the hosts just three minutes into play when Tavares suffered a knee injury and was forced to leave the game. The severity of the injury remains unclear, but initial reports suggest he may miss Friday’s game, according to comments from coach Sergio Scariolo.
Despite the setback, Real Madrid controlled the pace for much of the night, building a comfortable lead before weathering a late push from Hapoel. Facundo Campazzo led the scoring for Real Madrid with 21 points, including 6 three-pointers, and an efficiency rating of 18. Trey Lyles added 13 points and 6 rebounds, while Mario Hezonja contributed 11 points and Gabriel Deck finished with 10.
Hapoel Tel Aviv, however, found success exploiting Tavares’ absence in the paint. Dan Oturu dominated inside, posting 20 points and a remarkable 17 rebounds for a performance index rating (PIR) of 38. Antonio Blakeney led all scorers with 25 points, and Vasilije Micić added 15 points and 7 rebounds. Chris Jones chipped in with 14 points and 8 assists.
The injury to Tavares occurred early after a rebounding battle, forcing him to limp off the court unable to put weight on his left leg. Elijah Bryant also briefly left the game for Hapoel, but was unable to return, confirmed by coach Dimitris Itoudis at halftime.
Real Madrid started strongly, establishing a 15-point lead in the first half. Campazzo’s shooting was instrumental in building this advantage, while Okeke and Garuba effectively filled the void left by Tavares’ departure. The team committed zero turnovers in the first quarter, leading 27-18.
The second quarter saw Real Madrid extend their lead, with contributions from Lyles, Deck, and Feliz. Len provided a presence in the paint, helping to maintain the advantage despite Oturu’s growing influence for Hapoel. A basket by Hezonja pushed the lead to 20 points before Hapoel mounted a late second-quarter run, closing the gap to 48-33 at halftime.
Hapoel emerged with renewed energy in the second half, finding more success on offense through Oturu, Jones, and Micić. However, Real Madrid responded effectively, maintaining a solid defensive presence and converting on key offensive opportunities.
Following the game, coach Scariolo expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly their ability to overcome the early injury to Tavares. “We are happy to start the series with a win,” Scariolo said. He also praised the players for their effort and determination.
The loss of Tavares is a significant concern for Real Madrid as they move forward in the series. His defensive presence and rebounding ability are crucial to their success. The team will need to uncover ways to compensate for his absence, potentially relying more on Lyles and Okeke in the frontcourt.
The next game in the series is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026, at 8:00 PM local time (6:00 PM UTC). Real Madrid will be looking to extend their lead, while Hapoel will aim to even the series and regain home-court advantage. The series shifts to Tel Aviv for Games 3 and 4, if necessary.
This victory marks Real Madrid’s 15th consecutive win at the Movistar Arena, demonstrating their strong home-court advantage. The team will need to maintain this form as they navigate the challenges of the playoff series.
The injury to Tavares adds another layer of intrigue to this EuroLeague Playoff matchup. His absence will undoubtedly impact the tactical adjustments made by both teams in the coming games. Fans can expect a closely contested series as Real Madrid and Hapoel battle for a spot in the EuroLeague Final Four.
Real Madrid’s ability to overcome adversity and secure a win despite the early injury to Tavares speaks to their depth and resilience. Campazzo’s stellar performance and the contributions of other players were key to their success. The team will need to continue to rely on this collective effort as they face a determined Hapoel Tel Aviv in the remaining games of the series.
Fans can stay updated on the series and Tavares’ condition through the official EuroLeague website and Real Madrid’s official channels. The next game promises to be another exciting contest as both teams vie for a crucial victory.
What are your thoughts on Real Madrid’s victory? Will Hapoel be able to bounce back in Game 2? Share your predictions and comments below!
