By Stefan Acevski / info@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid and Hapoel Tel Aviv are playing the first game of their EuroLeague Quarterfinal series in Spain, and the visitors will finish this match without their head coach on the bench.
With seven minutes remaining, and Real leading 77-64, Dimitris Itoudis was ejected after receiving his second technical foul.
Itoudis received his first technical foul in the first half and the second at the start of the final quarter, just as his team was making a comeback.
Hapoel Tel Aviv coach Dimitris Itoudis EJECTED pic.twitter.com/zfMWSFyDGO
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) April 29, 2026
Hapoel’s coach demanded a foul on Dan Oturu, but Ilija Belosevic ultimately gave him a second technical and ejection. However, Itoudis refused to go to the locker room and instead stayed by the court to watch the game.
Itoudis spoke after loss in Madrid
After the game, coach Itoudis gave his thoughts on Game 1.
“Congratulations to Real, it was a little bit late. We fought, but starting with three more fouls to give and giving up 27 points was a problem. Combined with a zone defense, we kind of stopped them, they were missing shots, but they were getting ball from our hands, our boards, it hurt us a lot. It was a good fight until the end, we could have turned it down, but they got Game 1.”
Hapoel Tel Aviv coach Dimitris Itoudis after Game 1 loss to Real Madrid:
“We’ve played 3 games with a great team – Real Madrid…
The free throws are 35 to 64 for Real Madrid” pic.twitter.com/yrp6pAL571
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) April 29, 2026
In his postgame press conference, the 55-year-old Greek coach refused to back down from his stance, instead doubling down on the statistical evidence he believes justifies his frustration. “We have played three games with a great team, Real Madrid. Game 1 in Botevgrad. Game 2 in the Regular Season over here in Madrid, and the first playoff game. The free throws are 35 to 64 for Real Madrid,” he pointed out.
Dimitris Itoudis argued with a reporter who asked him about his free throws comment & if he’s concerned for Game 2:
“Your question is a tricky one & threatening one…
What I did? I was penalized
For the next game? Do you know something I don’t know?
I’m just stating facts” pic.twitter.com/rltIkNpwA3
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) April 29, 2026
Itoudis then engaged in a tense exchange with a reporter who questioned whether his public criticism of the officiating might negatively impact his team’s standing in Game 2 of the best-of-five series. When asked if he was concerned about the repercussions of his comments regarding free-throw disparities, he immediately challenged the premise of the inquiry. “Your question is a tricky one and a pretty much threatening one. Because I did that, am I going to be punished in that game too? I’m asking you now,” he replied.
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