Maccabi Tel Aviv pulled off a stunning 92-91 victory over Real Madrid in a thrilling EuroLeague game on October 22, 2025, at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, Serbia. Tamir Blatt hit a clutch three-pointer with just 4.3 seconds left to seal the win, amid growing controversy about the league’s plan to resume games in Israel starting next month.
This dramatic matchup highlighted Maccabi’s resilience and boosted their record to 2-4, while dropping Real Madrid to 3-3 with no road wins this season. The game also spotlighted ongoing debates about safety and politics in European basketball.
Dramatic Game Recap
Fans watched an intense battle that came down to the wire. Maccabi trailed early but mounted a comeback, thanks to strong second-half plays.
Real Madrid led by as much as 12 points in the first half, but Maccabi chipped away with sharp shooting and tough defense. The final moments saw Blatt step up for the game-winner after a Madrid turnover.
The crowd in Belgrade erupted as Hezonja’s last-second shot for Real Madrid rimmed out. This win marked Maccabi’s second of the season and showed their potential to climb the standings.
Standout Player Performances
Lonnie Walker IV stole the show for Maccabi with a career-high 27 points, including a record 20 in the second quarter alone. His scoring burst turned the game around when his team needed it most.
Roman Sorkin added 21 points and six rebounds, while Oshae Brissett chipped in 18 points. Blatt not only hit the decisive shot but also dished out nine assists and scored 12 points.
On the Madrid side, Mario Hezonja led with 24 points and nine rebounds. Trey Lyles scored 16, Facundo Campazzo added 14 points and five assists, and Usman Garuba contributed 12 points.
Here is a quick look at the top scorers from both teams:
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lonnie Walker IV | Maccabi | 27 | 3 | 2 |
| Roman Sorkin | Maccabi | 21 | 6 | 1 |
| Oshae Brissett | Maccabi | 18 | 4 | 0 |
| Tamir Blatt | Maccabi | 12 | 2 | 9 |
| Mario Hezonja | Real Madrid | 24 | 9 | 1 |
| Trey Lyles | Real Madrid | 16 | 5 | 0 |
| Facundo Campazzo | Real Madrid | 14 | 2 | 5 |
| Usman Garuba | Real Madrid | 12 | 7 | 1 |
Controversy Surrounds Return to Israel
The victory came on the same day Turkish clubs Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahce issued a joint statement against the EuroLeague’s decision to bring games back to Israel. They argued the process lacked transparency and no vote occurred among teams.
Valencia coach Pedro Martinez also voiced concerns, calling the move premature due to ongoing regional tensions. Maccabi, a founding EuroLeague club, pushed hard for the return, securing approvals from Israeli officials including President Isaac Herzog.
EuroLeague leaders approved the plan after getting security guarantees from police and government ministries. Games are set to resume in Israel on December 1, 2025, ending a two-year absence caused by conflicts.
This debate has split the basketball community, with some teams worried about player safety and others supporting the return for competitive fairness.
Protests and statements from various groups have fueled the discussion. Social media buzzed with opinions, from fans praising the decision to critics highlighting political risks.
Impact on EuroLeague Standings
This upset shakes up the early EuroLeague season. Maccabi gains momentum heading into home games, while Real Madrid must address their road struggles.
Both teams face tough schedules ahead. Maccabi plays next against strong rivals, and a return to Israel could boost their performance with home crowd support.
Real Madrid, as defending champions, needs to regroup quickly to avoid slipping further. Analysts predict this loss could motivate them for a strong rebound.
Broader Implications for Basketball
The win and controversy tie into larger trends in international sports. Teams like Maccabi have played “home” games abroad since 2023 due to security issues, affecting fan engagement and team morale.
Resuming games in Israel could set a precedent for other leagues facing similar challenges. It also highlights how global events influence sports, from player decisions to league policies.
Basketball experts note that such debates often lead to improved safety protocols. For fans, it means more exciting matchups in familiar arenas.
As the story develops, share your thoughts on the game or the controversy in the comments below. Did Blatt’s shot change your view of Maccabi’s season? Let us know and pass this article to fellow basketball fans.
