Campazzo Sparks Real Madrid in EuroLeague Playoff Opener Against Hapoel Tel Aviv
Real Madrid took a decisive first step toward the Final Four on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, securing an 86-82 victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv in the opening game of their EuroLeague quarterfinal series. Led by a commanding performance from Facundo Campazzo and a dominant interior presence, the Spanish giants utilized their home-court advantage at the Movistar Arena to set the Israeli side on the defensive early.
The victory marks a critical start for Sergio Scariolo’s squad, who entered the postseason as the third seed after a grueling regular season. For Hapoel Tel Aviv, making their first-ever appearance in the EuroLeague playoffs, the loss serves as a harsh introduction to the intensity of a best-of-five series against one of the continent’s most decorated franchises.
Campazzo’s Playmaking and Offensive Surge
The game’s primary catalyst was undoubtedly Facundo Campazzo. The Argentinian point guard orchestrated the offense with precision, finishing the night with 21 points. His ability to penetrate the defense and distribute the ball allowed Real Madrid to build a double-digit lead early in the contest, stifling Hapoel’s rhythm before they could establish a foothold in the game.
Campazzo was supported by a balanced scoring attack that highlighted the depth of the Madrid roster. Mario Hezonja contributed 11 points and 5 assists, while Trey Lyles and Gabriel Deck provided essential scoring bursts that kept the lead comfortable throughout the first three quarters.
Dominance in the Paint: The Oturu Factor
While Campazzo controlled the perimeter, the story inside the paint was dominated by American center Daniel Oturu. In a standout performance, Oturu recorded a double-double, hauling in 17 rebounds and scoring 20 points. His efficiency was staggering, shooting 8-of-9 from the field, which effectively neutralized Hapoel’s attempts to control the glass.
The interior dominance was a key tactical win for Scariolo. With Oturu providing a reliable scoring and rebounding option, Real Madrid was able to maintain a high percentage of second-chance opportunities and protect the rim against Hapoel’s interior threats.
Hapoel’s Resilience and the Final Push
Despite the deficit, Hapoel Tel Aviv did not surrender. Led by efforts from Antonio Blakeney and Dan Oturu, the Israeli side mounted a late rally to bring the game within four points in the closing minutes. However, Real Madrid’s experience in high-pressure postseason scenarios proved the difference.
The Spaniards displayed clinical execution at the charity stripe, converting 18-of-20 free throw attempts (90.0 percent), a statistic that often separates the winners from the losers in tight playoff games. The unselfishness of the Madrid offense was evident, as they recorded 21 assists during the victory.
The Road to the Final Four
The stakes for this series are immense. Historically, Real Madrid has shown a penchant for dominance when winning the first two games of a playoff series, often translating that momentum into a Final Four berth. By taking Game 1, they have shifted the pressure entirely onto Hapoel Tel Aviv.
For the Madridistas, the goal is clear: secure a 2-0 lead at home before traveling to Bulgaria. A second consecutive win tonight, Friday, May 1, 2026, would place them in a commanding position to close out the series and advance to the final stage of the competition.
Key Game Statistics
| Player/Metric | Stat | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Facundo Campazzo | 21 Points | Game-high scoring / Playmaking |
| Daniel Oturu | 20 Pts / 17 Reb | Double-Double / 8-of-9 FG |
| Mario Hezonja | 11 Pts / 5 Ast | Secondary offensive catalyst |
| Team FT% | 90.0% (18/20) | Clutch efficiency |
| Team Assists | 21 | Ball movement and flow |
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid now looks to extend their home winning streak at the Movistar Arena, where they have recently accumulated 15 consecutive victories. The focus for Scariolo will be maintaining the defensive intensity that stifled Hapoel’s primary options and continuing the efficient ball movement that defined Game 1.
The next critical checkpoint is Game 2, scheduled for tonight, May 1, 2026. A victory would put Real Madrid one win away from the Final Four and abandon Hapoel Tel Aviv facing a steep climb to stay alive in the series.
Do you think Real Madrid can sweep this series, or does Hapoel Tel Aviv have a surprise left in the tank? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
