The EuroLeague playoffs continued on Thursday, May 7th, with a decisive Game 4 matchup in the quarterfinal series between Hapoel and Real Madrid. The Spanish powerhouse, Real Madrid, delivered a strong performance on the road, securing an 87-81 victory over their Israeli opponents. This win clinched the best-of-five series for Madrid with a final score of 3-1, punching their ticket to the prestigious Final Four tournament.
With this result, Real Madrid joins the Greek club Olympiacos in the Final Four. Olympiacos had previously secured their place by virtue of finishing as the top seed after the regular season. The two clubs now await the outcome of the remaining quarterfinal series to determine their opponents in the semifinal stage of Europe's premier basketball competition.
The current EuroLeague season, 2025/2026, has seen intense competition throughout its playoff rounds. The Final Four is the culmination of the season, where the last four standing teams compete in a single-elimination format to decide the champion. Real Madrid's consistent performance throughout the season and playoffs has positioned them as a serious contender for the title.
It is worth noting that the reigning EuroLeague champions are Fenerbahçe. The Turkish club claimed the trophy last season by defeating Monaco in the final with a score of 81-70. As the defending champions, Fenerbahçe's journey in this season's playoffs is a key storyline, though they were not involved in the May 7th action.
The victory for Real Madrid was a testament to their depth and experience in high-pressure playoff situations. While Hapoel put up a valiant fight, especially on their home court, Madrid's talent ultimately proved too much to overcome in the series. The 87-81 final score indicates a competitive game that was likely decided in the closing minutes.
For basketball fans across Europe, the road to the Final Four is now becoming clearer. The confirmed participants, Olympiacos and Real Madrid, represent two of the continent's most storied basketball programs. Their presence guarantees a high level of play and excitement in the season's final event.
The EuroLeague playoffs continue to captivate audiences, with each game carrying significant weight. The remaining quarterfinal matchups will determine the final two teams to join Olympiacos and Real Madrid in the Final Four, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the 2025/2026 campaign.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.