By Alex Molina/ amolina@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid’s defeat in the championship game of the 2026 EuroLeague Final Four Athens, presented by Etihad, continues to reverberate deeply.
The epic duel against Olympiacos in Telekom Center Athens on Sunday ultimately went to the Greek team, who had to work incredibly hard to secure the victory against a squad severely depleted by injuries. In addition to battling the absences of Walter Tavares, Alex Len, and Usman Garuba, the latter suffering a very serious Achilles tendon injury in the Semifinals, Madrid also had to contend with refereeing decisions that many consider blatantly unfair, including one of the main supporters’ groups, the Berserkers.
While players like Mario Hezonja hinted at ‘strange things happening’ and Alberto Abalde chose to remain reluctant to avoid sanctions, the club’s fan base was far more direct on Monday, joining the chorus of complaints by releasing a scathing official statement. The group detailed a long list of errors by the referees, explaining, ‘We didn’t lose this EuroLeague title. Let’s be clear, IT WAS STOLEN FROM US’.
According to their post on social media, the indignation has only intensified as hours pass. The group targeted specific controversial moments, including a non-call on a three-point foul for Hezonja, no-calls on Chuma Okeke, and crucial fouls whistled against Facundo Campazzo and Andres Feliz in the final two minutes. They also highlighted a massive disparity in free throws, pointing out that Los Blancos did not shoot a single free throw in the first half.
Despite intense media coverage surrounding these grievances, there is currently no indication that the club will lodge an official protest to Euroleague Basketball.
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