Real Madrid secured their spot in the EuroLeague Final Four on Thursday after defeating Hapoel Tel Aviv 3-1 in their playoff series. The Final Four will take place in Athens from May 22 to 24.
After missing out in 2025, Los Blancos have returned to the decisive weekend of the competition, marking their 11th appearance in the last 15 years.
In the semifinals, Real Madrid will face either Panathinaikos (who would act as hosts at OAKA) or Valencia Basket. The series is currently 2-1 in favor of the Greek side after Valencia won the third game in Athens. The fourth game of the series will be played on Friday. If PAO wins, they qualify directly for the Final Four. If Valencia wins, a fifth game will be needed in Valencia.
Sergio Scariolo, who has won virtually everything at the international level – including a World Cup, four EuroBasket titles, and two Olympic medals with Spain – still has the EuroLeague as the missing piece in his club career.
“For me, winning the Final Four would be a dream, I have never done it. We need to prepare well, go with clear ideas, have the players physically and mentally ready, and then go compete. We know that the best of the best will be there, and it will be extremely tough challenges,” said the Brescia-born coach.
The Italian also reflected on the season so far: “It has been fun months, with beautiful and difficult moments. In a great season, you can’t always play well and win every game, it’s foolish to think that. We really want to finish well. The feeling is one of pride for the work and the attitude: discipline, respect, cohesion, camaraderie, generosity, improvement… From the outside, it’s very hard to see, but it’s the most important thing a team must have.”
Mentions: Basketball, EuroLeague, Liga Endesa, Real Madrid
