By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With local authorities flagging the game as ‘high risk’, Real Madrid confirmed a decision to organize Thursday’s EuroLeague game against Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv in Movistar Arena without spectators.
Additional details regarding the Round 21 fixture of the 2025-26 Regular Season were shared in an official announcement on Monday.
Per the press release: “Real Madrid C.F. confirms that the EuroLeague game between Real Madrid and Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv, scheduled for Thursday, January 8, will be played behind closed doors.
Following a meeting of the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in Sport, which declared the game high-risk, Real Madrid is complying with the recommendation made by the National Police.
The cost of any tickets purchased for this game will be refunded immediately and automatically, without the need for any claim by the purchaser. Season ticket holders will have their refunds credited towards their renewal for the next season.”
Comunicado Oficial.
— Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) January 5, 2026
Both sides are starting a double-game week in Europe’s premier club competition on Tuesday, with Los Blancos visiting LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in LDLC Arena and the Yellows taking on FC Barcelona behind closed doors in Palau Blaugrana following a recent similar decision by the Catalonia giant.
Heading to Round 20, the team based in the Spanish capital sits at the bottom end of the Play-In Showdown zone on an 11-8 record, one game away from the top six seeds, which guarantee a spot in the Playoffs 2026. On the opposite side, Maccabi ranks 14th with an 8-11 tally.