Hapoel Tel Aviv vs Real Madrid Game 3: Prediction, Match Preview, and Key Factors — 5 May 2026
Hapoel Tel Aviv
Real Madrid
On May 5, 2026, Hapoel Tel Aviv will host Real Madrid in Game 3 of the EuroLeague Playoffs. Let’s take a closer look at the potential outcome of this matchup.
Match preview
Hapoel Tel Aviv come into Game 3 in a very difficult position, trailing 0–2 in the series after two defeats in Madrid. In the first game, they managed to stay competitive deep into the fourth quarter, but in Game 2 they lost control after halftime despite leading by 2 points at the break, eventually suffering a heavy 75–102 defeat.
Daniel Oturu was the standout player in that match with 19 points and 4 rebounds, while Elijah Bryant added 11 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Overall, Hapoel’s recent form has been inconsistent, with just 1 win in their last 5 matches across all competitions. Another key issue is that the team is not playing in its usual home arena, which has affected stability and rhythm. Despite that, their EuroLeague home record remains solid, with 13 wins and 6 defeats, including a very narrow 74–75 loss to Real Madrid earlier in the season.
In head-to-head terms, Hapoel have struggled significantly this season, already losing 4 times to Real Madrid. However, the current series situation forces them to play more aggressively, as they must take risks to avoid elimination, which often leads to a faster tempo and more scoring opportunities.
Real Madrid arrive in excellent form, with just 1 defeat in their last 7 games and 4 consecutive victories across competitions. Their recent wins include both games against Hapoel, as well as victories over Valencia and Murcia in the ACB League. They have consistently shown strong offensive depth, with multiple players contributing, making their scoring output stable even across different game scenarios.
In the most recent domestic game, Real produced a dramatic 131–123 overtime win, overturning a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter, showing both resilience and offensive power.
Facundo Campazzo has been a key figure in this series, while Mario Hezonja and several rotation players have also made strong contributions. At the same time, Hapoel have struggled defensively in transition throughout the series, allowing Real Madrid to generate easier scoring chances, which can again play a key role in the overall total.
Real finished the EuroLeague regular season in 3rd place with a 24–14 record, but their away form remains a weak point, with 13 of their 14 defeats coming on the road. However, they have recently improved, winning their last 3 away games.
Key facts and head-to-head
- Real Madrid lead the series 2–0
- Hapoel Tel Aviv have won 8 of their last 9 home games
- 12 of Hapoel’s last 13 games have gone over 170.5 total points
- Real Madrid have won 6 of their last 7 games
- 6 of Real Madrid’s last 7 games have gone over 170.5 total points
- Real Madrid have won the last 4 head-to-head meetings
Prediction
Hapoel Tel Aviv return home in a must-win situation, which should naturally push them toward a more aggressive and risk-oriented approach. At 0–2 in the series, they are expected to increase the tempo and take more offensive initiative, which typically leads to a higher number of possessions. Despite two defeats in Madrid, Hapoel showed in stretches that they can generate offense, particularly when the game becomes more open. Real Madrid, meanwhile, continue to demonstrate clear superiority in this matchup, especially through their offensive consistency. Their recent performances highlight strong scoring output and the ability to maintain pressure through multiple contributors, making their attack difficult to contain over four quarters. Game 2 also showed how quickly this matchup can open up, with a high-scoring second half once the pace increased, which is a key indicator heading into Game 3. With Hapoel expected to push the tempo and Real Madrid comfortable playing in an open, transition-based game, this matchup has strong potential to develop into a fast-paced contest with increased scoring volume. Recommended bet: Over 170.5 total points — 1.64
