By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Mario Hezonja was the top player for Real Madrid in a narrow win against Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv in Arena Botevgrad on Tuesday, but a late mistake nearly overturned his efforts.
With nine seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, and his side holding on to a one-point lead, the 30-year-old Croatian combo forward pulled down an offensive rebound after a missed two-pointer by Theo Maledon, and casually shoot a long-range three himself, apparently thinking that the previous attempt did not hit the rim and that the shot clock had expired, but that was not the case. Despite gifting three seconds to the opponents, Los Blancos secured the win.
What a finish in Hapoel Tel Aviv – Real Madrid
After Theo Maledon’s missed jumper, Mario Hezonja did NOT run the clock down and Hapoel got a chance to win it.
Sergio Llull wasn’t very happy with Hezonja taking that shot instead of just holding the ball 😅 pic.twitter.com/OVnmd7KqlT
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) November 25, 2025
Despite eventually prevailing and jumping to 7-6 before the FIBA window break, there was some ensuing tension on the bench. Hezonja was confronted by his teammates, including team captain Sergio Llull. However, the 38-year-old combo guard followed up with a supporting and perhaps a bit trolling post on his X account, with several elongated ‘Super Mario’ chants plus a note on a great win for his team.
😅😅😅 Llull ‘calmando las aguas’ tras el caótico final entre Real Madrid y Hapoel Tel Aviv https://t.co/MlF7P6qxHp
— Eurohoops España (@EurohoopsES) November 25, 2025
Back in action after the international pause and the launch of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers, the team based in the Spanish capital visits Anadolu Efes in Istanbul’s Turkcell Basketball Development Center on December 4.