Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Žalgiris bring a EuroLeague spectacle to Belgrade's Hall of Sports
The EuroLeague basketball competition in the 2025/2026 season expands to 20 clubs, the rhythm is more intense than ever, and the 19th round brings one of the most interesting duels of the competition so far: Hapoel Tel-Aviv against Žalgiris, scheduled for December 30, 2025, at 20:05, in the Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall in Belgrade. This is a match where the current EuroLeague leader, Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv, takes the floor against the dangerous Žalgiris, who are holding their own in the upper part of the standings and chasing the best possible starting position for the season finale. Moving such a derby to Belgrade further increases interest, as the local audience in the city of basketball gets a rare opportunity to watch two strong teams that usually fill arenas across Europe. Due to the hall's capacity of around 5,000 spectators and the expected large turnout of fans from Serbia, Lithuania, and Israel, ticket sales for this event are already arousing great interest, and tickets do not stay on open offer for long. Whoever wants to spice up New Year's Eve with a top-class EuroLeague clash from the front row should plan their purchase in time and secure their tickets by clicking on the "" button which will be placed below the text, thus concluding the basketball year in Belgrade in the right way.
EuroLeague 2025/2026: expanded elite and the importance of the 19th round for the standings
This season's EuroLeague counts 20 clubs for the first time, each playing 38 games in a double round-robin, and after a marathon regular season, the top six go directly to the playoffs, while teams from seventh to tenth place enter Play-In duels for the remaining two spots among the top eight. Such a format means that practically every game in the middle of the season, including this one between Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Žalgiris, can be decisive for the outcome of the fight for the top and the Play-In zone. Ahead of the 19th round, Hapoel stands at the top of the table with a 12–5 record, with the best offense in the league and very stable form, while Žalgiris is in the upper part of the standings with a 10–7 record and proven capable of surprising anyone, which some favorites have already felt. Precisely because of this context, this game in Belgrade is not only an attractive spectacle for neutral spectators, but also a serious duel with potentially major consequences for the standings and the distribution of places leading to the season finale. Fans who want to experience live from the stands what the fight for the top of European basketball looks like in the new, expanded format, should definitely take advantage of the available ticket sales in time and secure their tickets while the choice of seats is still relatively good.
Hapoel Tel-Aviv – debutant leader with the most dangerous offense in the EuroLeague
Hapoel Tel-Aviv won the EuroCup last spring and secured a historic placement in the EuroLeague, and in their debut season, they made an almost unimaginable leap: after 17 rounds, they sat at the top of the standings and developed an attack that is statistically at the very top of the competition in terms of points and shooting efficiency. Dimitris Itoudis' team scores almost 89 points per game, with excellent shooting percentages for two and three points and over 80 percent of free throws made, and the ball circulates constantly – Hapoel is also at the very top of the EuroLeague in average number of assists per match. The engine of the attack is the backcourt line led by Elijah Bryant and Vasilije Micić, who combine precise realization, lucid pick-and-roll solutions, and the ability to create points from isolation, while the center line with Dan Oturu and Johnathan Motley brings physical dominance in the paint and regularly uses the surplus created after doubling on the perimeter. The contribution of shooters like Antonio Blakeney and creator Chris Jones, who additionally spread the defense and punish every late closing on the three-point line, should not be ignored. Hapoel has already taken down a number of big names this season, including Real Madrid and Bayern, where they knew how to score over 80 points away against very tough defenses, so it is clear that fans in Belgrade can expect an offensive spectacle in which every missed rotation will cost dearly. That is precisely why tickets for this event attract neutral basketball fans who want to see up close what the most modern EuroLeague offense looks like in full gear and are ready to secure their place in the stands by clicking on the button "" below.
Žalgiris – a Lithuanian collective combining tradition and modern basketball
Žalgiris Kaunas has the status of an institution in the EuroLeague: a club that represents the Lithuanian school of basketball, fills arenas across the continent, and almost every season finds a way to get involved in the fight for the playoffs, regardless of budget differences compared to the largest European metropolises. In the current 2025/2026 season, Žalgiris averages about 87 points per game, concedes slightly more than 81, while relying on a disciplined attack with lots of off-ball screens, and an aggressive defense that punishes every opponent's mistake and often imposes physical contact. The first star of the team is point guard Sylvain Francisco, one of the most efficient guards in the league, who averages more than 17 points with almost seven assists, and has already been named MVP of the month of October and co-MVP of one of the early rounds. Along with him, centers Moses Wright and Azuolas Tubelis play an important role, controlling the rebound and threatening from the pick-and-roll, while captain Edgaras Ulanovas and the rest of the perimeter line provide a dose of experience and Lithuanian basketball "school" in every possession. Žalgiris has already recorded several convincing victories this season, among which stands out the home triumph with a difference of more than 40 points against Partizan, which shows how dangerous they can be when they catch a rhythm. Fans thinking about buying tickets for this match do not just get the opportunity to watch the EuroLeague leader from Tel-Aviv, but also traditional Lithuanian basketball in a modern edition, so the interest in tickets is completely understandable.
Micić and Bryant against Francisco and Wright: a tactical showdown at the top of Europe
On the floor of Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall, we will watch a duel that can be tactically reduced to several key matchups, but in reality, it will be a real chess match at full speed. In Hapoel's perimeter line, everything revolves around the pick-and-roll game of Vasilije Micić and the tall players, where the Serbian uses experience from previous EuroLeague seasons to recognize mismatches and create situations with a surplus on the perimeter, where shooters like Bryant, Blakeney, or Malcolm are waiting. On the other hand, Žalgiris will try to slow down the rhythm and impose their structure through Sylvain Francisco, using his combination of points and assists for constant pressure on Hapoel's paint, while Moses Wright and Tubelis will seek an advantage in rebounding and playing with their backs to the basket. A particularly interesting battle will be fought on the three-point line: Hapoel is among the most dangerous three-point shooting teams in the league, while Žalgiris tries to close the perimeter with aggressive switches, but thereby risks fouls and fatigue of key players. That is exactly why every fan in the stands, regardless of whether they hold a club scarf or just a match program in their hand, will be able to enjoy a match where every tactical adjustment by the coaches will be visible almost in real time. If you want to experience such a duel live, with the feeling that you are literally a few meters from EuroLeague stars, it is the right time to take advantage of the available ticket sales and secure your place in the hall.
Why is the EuroLeague derby being played in Belgrade and what does it mean for fans
Moving matches of Israeli clubs to neutral grounds is not a precedent this season: previously, certain duels were played in other European cities due to security assessments and logistical challenges, so part of the matches against Israeli teams were played in Germany or other countries in the region. Belgrade is a logical choice in this context – it is a city with a rich basketball tradition, a fan base that understands the EuroLeague, and infrastructure that easily handles the arrival of guests from multiple countries. Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall is located in New Belgrade, at Pariske komune 20, in a zone that is easily reached by public transport, taxi, or personal vehicle, and is surrounded by residential blocks, office buildings, and amenities that facilitate the stay for fans before and after the game. The neutral location also means that the stands will be more colorful than usual: a mix of Israeli and Lithuanian fans is expected, but also a large number of local basketball lovers who simply want to see the top of the EuroLeague live. For all guests planning to arrive from other cities or countries, it makes sense to check accommodation near the venue already at the ticket purchase stage, so that the entire trip – from arrival in Belgrade to leaving the hall after the final buzzer – is planned without stress.
Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall – a cult hall with 5,000 seats and a rich history
The Ranko Žeravica Hall of Sports was built back in 1968, and after renovation in 2011, it received a more contemporary look and conditions that make it ideal for medium-capacity basketball spectacles. The hall accommodates about 5,000 spectators at sports events, while for concerts it can be adapted to more than 7,000 visitors, but precisely this relatively compact size creates the impression that every fan is "in the game," because the stands are very close to the floor. Throughout history, Partizan and Crvena zvezda have played in this hall, trophies were won and European matches were played here, and in recent years the Hall has been home to clubs like Mega, making it a living part of Belgrade's basketball everyday life. Fans who buy tickets for the duel between Hapoel and Žalgiris can count on an atmosphere that often cannot be experienced in larger arenas: the noise from the stands literally "descends" onto the floor, every series of points brings people to their feet, and due to the proximity of the players, the dynamics of communication between coaches, referees, and basketball players can easily be felt. In such conditions, every point, whether it comes from an Israeli pick-and-roll or a Lithuanian shooting streak, carries greater weight, so it is not surprising that tickets sell out quickly as soon as such a EuroLeague derby appears in Belgrade. For those planning to arrive from other cities, it is recommended to check accommodation offers in New Belgrade in parallel with buying tickets, in order to turn the stay with the game into a small city weekend.
Fan interest and ticket sales: Belgrade between Israel and Lithuania
The combination of an Israeli club playing its first EuroLeague season and immediately sitting at the top of the standings, and Žalgiris as a symbol of Lithuanian basketball, creates a unique dynamic of interest for tickets far beyond the borders of Serbia. The arrival of Hapoel fans from the diaspora is expected, especially those living in Central and Western Europe, for whom a flight to Belgrade is often simpler than a trip to Israel, as well as a numerous Lithuanian community scattered across the region, accustomed to traveling for their club. Along with them, there is also a large base of local fans, from Partizan and Zvezda supporters to neutral EuroLeague lovers, who want to see the standings leader live and a Žalgiris that has already produced several impressive victories in the season. Given the hall capacity of about 5,000 seats and the fact that it is a match played in an attractive time slot between the holidays and the New Year, it is logical to expect increased demand for tickets, especially for sectors closer to the floor and the middle of the stands. Therefore, it is recommended that everyone planning to arrive take advantage of the available ticket sales as soon as possible, click on the button "" below the text, select desired seats, and secure their tickets for this event in time, instead of relying on the last moment when the choice of seats is significantly more modest.
Getting to the hall: New Belgrade as a practical base for fans
New Belgrade has grown over the last decades into a modern business and residential center of the Serbian capital, with wide boulevards, a large number of hotels, shopping centers, and catering facilities, making it an extremely practical base for fans coming to the game. Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall is located in a zone that can be reached from the city center relatively quickly by public transport, a combination of buses and trams, and for those coming by car, it is important to count on traffic jams during rush hour and before the start of the game, so an earlier arrival and patient search for parking in the surrounding streets is recommended. For guests from other cities and countries, the simplest route is arrival at the Belgrade airport or main bus and train terminals, from where New Belgrade is reached in less than half an hour, depending on traffic. Since the game is played in the evening slot, many fans will take the opportunity to spend the day sightseeing in the city, walking along the Sava and Danube, or visiting nearby shopping centers, and then head towards the hall in the afternoon hours. To make the organization of the whole day simpler, it is useful to consider accommodation for fans on the day of the match already when buying tickets, especially if staying in Belgrade overnight is planned.
Numbers that tell the story: Hapoel's offensive machine against Žalgiris' balance
Statistically speaking, this is a clash of two teams that reach victories in different ways, but both belong to the upper echelon of the EuroLeague in terms of offensive efficiency. Hapoel Tel-Aviv is at a 13–5 record after 18 games played with an average of almost 89 points scored, shooting close to 60 percent for two points, almost 39 percent for three points, and over 80 percent from the free-throw line, with almost 34 rebounds and about 25 assists per game – numbers that clearly speak of a balanced attack and good ball sharing. On the other hand, Žalgiris is at a 10–7 record and holds around the middle of the top eight, with an average of approximately 87 points scored and a tough defense that concedes slightly more than 81 points per match, which allows it to create runs like the mentioned victory with a large difference against Partizan with the right energy and shooting day. Individually, Hapoel is led by Elijah Bryant, Dan Oturu, and Vasilije Micić, while Žalgiris' first scorer and playmaker is Sylvain Francisco, one of the most productive guards in the league this season. When all these numbers are put into the context of a hall that counts only a few thousand seats, it is clear that fans who buy tickets get the opportunity to see a match in which it is very realistic to expect double digits in attack on both sides, plenty of three-pointers, and attractive plays that will bring the audience to their feet.
Belgrade – the city of basketball that lives the EuroLeague
During the last decades, Belgrade has repeatedly carried the informal title of "city of basketball," not only because of Partizan and Crvena zvezda but also because of numerous tournaments, Final Fours, and qualifying tournaments that brought full stands to clubs from all over Europe. In the 2025/2026 season, the Serbian capital is again at the center of the European basketball map, with regular EuroLeague matches in larger arenas and strong regional competitions, but also with such special events in the Ranko Žeravica hall that are reminiscent of a more romantic, intimate phase of European basketball. For local fans, the duel between Hapoel and Žalgiris is an opportunity to see up close players they otherwise follow on television or through statistical portals, and for guests from other countries, Belgrade offers a rich gastronomic and cultural offer that can round off the entire basketball weekend. The atmosphere in the stands will likely be a mix of Israeli songs, Lithuanian drums, and the local, well-known fan pulse, creating a unique ambiance that can hardly be offered by any neutral hall in Europe. Precisely this combination of tradition, fan passion, and top basketball makes tickets for this event have added value – one does not just buy a seat in the stand, but entry into one of those sports moments that are retold for a long time. Therefore, it is not a surprise that many lovers of the game decide to secure their tickets as soon as information about available purchase appears via the button below.
Who is this match ideal for and how to make the most of the stay in the city
The match Hapoel Tel-Aviv – Žalgiris is ideal for a very wide spectrum of audiences: from hardcore fans who follow every round of the EuroLeague and want to analyze tactics up close, through families looking for a safe and exciting evening out, to tourists who will be in Belgrade at the end of December and want to experience the city through an authentic sports event. Thanks to the relatively early start at 20:05, it is possible to spend the day touring the center, Kalemegdan, or walking along the Sava, and then head towards New Belgrade, do a fan "warm-up" in one of the surrounding cafes, and take a seat in the hall on time. Those coming from other cities can combine the game with one or two overnight stays, where it is practical to look for accommodation near the venue so that they can return to the hotel or apartment without rushing after the final buzzer. For younger fans, this is an opportunity to feel what the EuroLeague atmosphere looks like up close for the first time, while more experienced fans will appreciate the possibility of watching both Hapoel's offensive machine and Žalgiris' Lithuanian discipline in the same evening. In any case, buying tickets for this match is more than just a ticket purchase – it is a reservation of a place in the story of a season in which the EuroLeague expanded, moved a derby to Belgrade, and offered fans yet another reason to click on the button "" and secure their tickets in time.
Sources:
- EuroLeague – statistics of Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Žalgiris and the format of the 2025/2026 season
- BasketNews – EuroLeague 2025/2026 table and schedule of the 19th round
- 365Scores and RealGM – individual statistics of players Sylvain Francisco, Elijah Bryant, and Dan Oturu
- Grokipedia and Wikipedia – data on Ranko Žeravica Sports Hall (capacity, year of construction, location)
- City Expert and related portals – context on the development of New Belgrade as a modern business-residential center