Real Madrid Holds Off Hapoel in Game 1 Despite Tavares Injury
Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid secured an 86-82 victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv in Game 1 of their EuroLeague Playoff series on Tuesday, April 29, 2026, at the WiZink Center. The win, but, came at a cost, as Real Madrid center Walter Tavares suffered an early injury, forcing him to leave the game in the first quarter. The game saw a late push from Hapoel, led by Dan Oturu and Antonio Blakeney, but Sergio Scariolo’s team managed to hold on for the win.
Tavares Injury Shifts Momentum
The game took an immediate turn just three minutes into the first quarter when Tavares went down with an apparent knee injury. He was unable to continue and left the court, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the series. The injury significantly altered the dynamic of the game, opening up opportunities for Hapoel’s frontcourt.
Campazzo Leads Real Madrid to Victory
Despite the loss of Tavares, Real Madrid found success through balanced scoring. Facundo Campazzo led all players with 21 points, orchestrating the offense and providing crucial leadership. Trey Lyles contributed 13 points and 6 rebounds, although Mario Hezonja added 11 points and Gabriel Deck finished with 10. Real Madrid controlled the pace for much of the night, building a comfortable lead before Hapoel’s late rally.
Oturu and Blakeney Spearhead Hapoel’s Comeback
Hapoel Tel Aviv, despite also losing Elijah Bryant during the game, mounted a spirited comeback in the fourth quarter. Dan Oturu took advantage of Tavares’ absence, delivering a dominant performance with 20 points and 17 rebounds, earning a performance index rating (PIR) of 38. Antonio Blakeney led all scorers with 25 points, providing a significant offensive spark for the visitors. Vasilije Micić added 15 points and 7 rebounds, and Chris Jones chipped in with 14 points and 8 assists.
Coaching Concerns and Free Throw Disparity
Following the game, Hapoel Tel Aviv’s coach, Dimitris Itoudis, expressed his frustration with the officiating, specifically citing a significant disparity in free throw attempts. While details of his specific complaints haven’t been released, the issue clearly weighed on his assessment of the game. Sergio Scariolo, Real Madrid’s coach, responded to the concerns, stating, as reported by El Mundo, “Until the game got muddy,” suggesting the contest became increasingly physical and contested as it progressed. Itoudis confirmed that Bryant would not return to the game at halftime after initially attempting to play through an injury.
Key Stats and Game Flow
Real Madrid shot 48.6% from the field, compared to Hapoel’s 44.4%. The teams were relatively even in three-point shooting, with Real Madrid making 9 of 22 attempts (40.9%) and Hapoel connecting on 10 of 24 (41.7%). Rebounding was a key factor, with Hapoel capitalizing on Tavares’ absence to secure a slight advantage on the boards. The game was closely contested throughout, with several lead changes before Real Madrid ultimately pulled away in the final minutes.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Game 2 of the best-of-five series is scheduled for Friday, May 2nd, at the WiZink Center in Madrid. The status of Walter Tavares remains uncertain, and his availability will be a crucial factor in Real Madrid’s chances of securing a series victory. Hapoel will look to adjust their strategy and exploit any weaknesses in Real Madrid’s defense, particularly in the paint. Fans can follow updates on the EuroLeague official website for further details and schedule confirmations.
The outcome of this series will have significant implications for both teams’ season, determining who advances to the EuroLeague Final Four. Real Madrid, a perennial contender, will be eager to defend its home court and grab a commanding lead in the series. Hapoel, seeking to create a statement in its playoff debut, will aim to steal a game in Madrid and extend the series.
