Full Breakdown
Hapoel Tel Aviv Earns First EuroLeague Victory Over Red Star Belgrade
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
In the second round of the 2026/27 EuroLeague season, Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Red Star Belgrade 81–80 in Belgrade. Elijah Bryant recorded a double-double (18 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals) and was named the game’s MVP. Vasilije Micic added 11 points, including two decisive three-pointers in the closing minutes, while Zach LeDay contributed 12 points. For Red Star, Jared Butler led with 19 points and Jordan Nwora added 13. The win evened Hapoel’s EuroLeague record at 1-1 after an opening-round loss to Bayern Munich.
Background & Context
Hapoel Tel Aviv entered the season after a disappointing 84-86 defeat to Bayern Munich in the opening round. The loss left the Israeli side 0-1, while domestic rivals Hapoel Jerusalem secured a 94-73 EuroCup win over the Rostock Seawolves and Maccabi Tel Aviv fell to Besiktas 109-93, dropping to 0-2. The Tel Aviv victory marked the club’s first EuroLeague win of the campaign and restored confidence after the early setback.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Hapoel Tel Aviv 81, Red Star Belgrade 80
- Elijah Bryant: 18 points (9-9 FT), 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals
- Zach LeDay: 12 points (including a three-pointer)
- Vasilije Micic: 11 points (3-14 from three) and 6 rebounds
- Red Star top scorers: Jared Butler 19 (4-7 from three), Jordan Nwora 13, Tyson Carter 12
- First-quarter lead: Hapoel 28-18
- Halftime margin: Hapoel 45-35
- Turnovers: Hapoel limited Red Star to six turnovers in the game
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Dimitrios Itoudis described the win as a “character” victory, emphasizing the team’s control for most of the contest and the importance of ball movement.
Elijah Bryant, the game’s MVP, said he reviews film to identify areas for improvement, highlighting defense as a priority and praising the team’s cohesion.
Following Maccabi Tel Aviv’s loss to Besiktas, head coach Oded Katash expressed disappointment with his team’s defensive performance and lack of chemistry, indicating a need for a rapid response ahead of the upcoming game against Panathinaikos.
Impact and Outlook
The narrow victory positions Hapoel Tel Aviv to face Real Madrid in Sofia within two days, a matchup against the club that eliminated them in the previous season’s EuroLeague quarterfinals. The win also improves the perception of Israeli clubs in the competition, contrasting with Maccabi’s early struggles.
Analysts note that maintaining defensive discipline and reducing turnovers will be critical for Hapoel as it seeks to build on the momentum from Belgrade. The team’s ability to execute in clutch moments, as demonstrated by Micic’s late three-pointers, may influence its prospects for advancing to the later stages of the EuroLeague.
Timeline
- Opening round: Hapoel Tel Aviv loses to Bayern Munich (84-86).
- Second round: Hapoel Tel Aviv defeats Red Star Belgrade 81-80 in Belgrade, evening its EuroLeague record to 1-1.
- In two days: Hapoel Tel Aviv scheduled to play Real Madrid in Sofia.
- Following week: Maccabi Tel Aviv set to travel to Greece to face Panathinaikos.