By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
After Olympiacos B.C. swept AS Monaco Basket to secure the first ticket to the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four, the second participant has now also been confirmed.
With a 87-81 victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv in Game 4 in Botevgrad, Real Madrid advanced to the final tournament, which will take place from May 22 to 24 at OAKA Arena.
The 11-time EuroLeague champions failed to capitalize on their first opportunity in Game 3, but remained composed and used their second chance to return to the Final Four after missing out last season.
Usman Garuba once again proved pivotal for Real Madrid in the absence of Walter Tavares, who got injured just a couple of minutes into Game 1. The Spanish international finished the game with 16 points and six rebounds, while Mario Hezonja and Théo Maledon followed with 14 points each.
Facundo Campazzo delivered another solid all-around performance with 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds, while Trey Lyles chipped in 10 points.
On the other side, it was mostly a two-man show for Hapoel Tel Aviv. Daniel Oturu scored 29 points with seven rebounds, while Vasilije Micić played one of his best games in a Hapoel jersey, posting 18 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds, with just one turnover in 33 and a half minutes on the floor.
Elijah Bryant added 12 points, while Kessler Edwards also finished in double figures with 10 points and five rebounds.
As for the decisive Game 4, Real Madrid led for most of the night and kept the game under control. Hapoel Tel Aviv fought until the very end, but could not complete the comeback attempt. Sergio Scariolo’s side stayed composed, maintained the lead and eventually secured a well-deserved victory.
Now, Real Madrid awaits its semifinal opponent, which will be determined by the series between Valencia Basket and Panathinaikos BC, with the Greek side currently leading 2-1 ahead of Game 4 at home.