EuroLeague spectacle in Tel Aviv: Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Žalgiris in a key clash of the season
In Round 22 of the 2025/2026 season, Basketball – Europe – EuroLeague brings one of those matchups that combine history, emotion, and the current stakes in the standings: Maccabi Tel-Aviv hosts Žalgiris at Menora Mivtachim Arena on January 15 at 21:05. The home side enters this game with the ambition to improve its record this season and get back into the playoff race, while the Lithuanian squad, after a very strong start, holds a positive score and is looking toward the upper tier of the table. The guests from Kaunas have already collected a double-digit number of wins in the EuroLeague so far and have confirmed their status as one of the competition’s most stable teams, while Maccabi, after a series of ups and downs, is still in a zone where every win carries the weight of double points. A special charm to this contest is also the fact that some EuroLeague games, after a period of being played abroad, are returning to Tel Aviv, so the arena at Yigal Alon St 51 is expected to be filled to the last seat. That is precisely why interest in tickets is growing day by day, and for fans who want to be part of this night, the recommendation is to secure their seats as soon as possible and be ready for the moment when the lights go out and the spotlights illuminate the court in yellow-blue and green-white colors.
The stakes in the standings are further heightened by the fact that Žalgiris built a respectable win-loss record in the first half of the season, while Maccabi at times paid the price for inconsistent performances and a demanding schedule, as well as for the uncertainty between “home” courts in exile and a return in front of its own crowd. The Lithuanians enter with the reputation of a team that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the EuroLeague, led by a point guard who has already earned individual monthly awards and proven he can control the tempo even in the toughest road conditions. On the other hand, Maccabi relies on its recognizable combination of energy on the wing positions, depth in the rotation of big men, and loud support from the stands that often flips games in key moments. This season, on the road in Kaunas, the Israeli giant already outplayed Žalgiris once and demonstrated how dangerous it can be when its defense clicks and the outside shot starts falling in bursts. All of this makes the game an ideal opportunity for fans and basketball lovers to get tickets, take their seats, and experience firsthand what a night looks like when every possession can change the course of a season.
The return of EuroLeague theater to Menora Mivtachim Arena
Menora Mivtachim Arena in the Yad Eliyahu neighborhood, at Yigal Alon St 51, is more than an ordinary venue – it is a symbol of Israeli and European basketball where Maccabi’s greatest stories have been written for generations. With a capacity of about 10,383 seats and the ability to accommodate a few hundred more fans for basketball games, this facility has gone through a series of reconstructions over the decades and has transformed from an open concrete stadium into a modern arena with VIP boxes, fan shops, and a rich food offering. Countless Israeli league games, cup matches, national team fixtures, and European classics have been played here, including EuroLeague final tournaments, so it is no surprise that every new EuroLeague date is experienced as part of the continuity of a great tradition. When you add to that the return of international games to the city after a period in which Israeli clubs had to play “home” games in other countries, it is clear why enormous interest in tickets is expected and why ticket sales will be one of the main topics of conversation among fans these days.
For fans and visitors coming from abroad, Menora Mivtachim Arena is additionally attractive because it is located in a well-connected area of the city, close to major roads and public transport, which allows easy access from almost all parts of Tel Aviv. Many will use the day for a walk along the Mediterranean beaches, exploring the streets around Rothschild Boulevard, or visiting old Jaffa, and then head toward Yigal Alon Street, where the yellow jerseys of the home fans and the green scarves of the visitors blend into a sea of colors in front of the arena entrances. Those planning a longer stay can already think about accommodation near the venue, so they can set the car or public transport aside and devote the evening exclusively to basketball. Due to expected heightened security checks and crowds around the entrances, the recommendation is that fans arrive earlier, pick up their tickets or digital passes, and calmly find their seats. The more the stands fill up, the more the feeling grows that you are part of something bigger than the game itself, so it is not surprising that many decide to buy tickets precisely for matchups like this, even if they are not fans of either team but are looking for a top-class sporting experience.
Maccabi Tel-Aviv: a yellow-blue institution with new energy
Maccabi Tel-Aviv is among the most decorated clubs in the history of European basketball, with an impressive collection of six European champion titles and dozens of national trophies, making this team a symbol of Israeli sport and a recognizable brand far beyond the country’s borders. Over the decades, generations of stars have passed through the club, and today’s team continues to build on that legacy, combining experienced domestic leaders with American and European reinforcements. Under head coach Oded Kattash, once himself a key player in the yellow-blue jersey, Maccabi aims to blend fast transition, aggressive defense, and disciplined half-court offense through pick-and-roll play. In the current season, the core includes players like Roman Sorkin in the paint, wing options capable of stretching the lane with outside shooting, and athletic guards who can take responsibility late in games, while additional depth is provided by players who have established themselves both on the EuroLeague stage and in Israel’s Winner League. Although the team had periods of results instability during the fall, the away win against Žalgiris showed that Maccabi still has the quality for big things if it connects defense, rebounding, and outside shooting.
Tactically, much in this game will depend on how much Maccabi can speed up the tempo and force the visitors to play at more possessions than suits them. When the Tel Aviv side runs, it is full of confidence and, fueled by energetic fans, can heat up the atmosphere completely with a run of easy points, while in a slower tempo it often depends on individual inspiration and precision in five-on-five offense. That is why the home side will look, from the opening minutes, to use aggressive perimeter defense and switches in the pick-and-roll to force Žalgiris into mistakes, steals, and open floor. Considering how loudly Yad Eliyahu can explode after every dunk or made three, it is no surprise that there is already huge demand for tickets, and ticket sales are quite rightly described as a race against time. Anyone who wants to feel what it looks like when Maccabi returns to its familiar playoff-mode should buy tickets in time via the button below and secure a seat in the arena for this potentially pivotal night.
Žalgiris: a Lithuanian giant that does not acknowledge fear of hot road games
Žalgiris from Kaunas is synonymous with basketball in Lithuania, a country where basketball is often described as a second religion and where fans are ready to follow their team to all corners of Europe. Founded in 1944, the club has won a series of Soviet and Lithuanian titles throughout its history, and the crown of European glory arrived in 1999 when Žalgiris became EuroLeague champion and forever inscribed its name among the continent’s greats. In the current generation, led by coach Tomas Masiulis, important roles belong to players such as captain Edgaras Ulanovas, a versatile forward with experience in many big games, as well as center Laurynas Birutis and athletic, powerful bigs like Moses Wright, while the key playmaker in the backcourt is Sylvain Francisco, along with wings who can score off the dribble and in spot-up situations. The early phases of the season have shown that this Žalgiris can win both at home in a packed Zalgirio Arena and on the road, and a good win-loss record in the EuroLeague gives them a real right to dream of high positions at the end of the regular season.
Stylistically, Žalgiris likes to combine disciplined offense with plenty of off-ball movement and precise screening, and a particular threat comes from pick-and-roll action when Francisco or other guards use strong big-man screens and look for solutions—either by attacking the rim or by creating for perimeter shooters. Defensively, the Lithuanians are traditionally solid, with an emphasis on controlling the defensive rebound and physically demanding switches on the wing positions, which will be crucial against Maccabi, a team that likes to chase second-chance rebounds and live off three-point runs. Although in Tel Aviv they will not have mass support as at home, it is well known that Žalgiris fans travel across Europe and create pockets of green on almost every EuroLeague floor, so recognizable flags and drums can be expected in Menora Mivtachim Arena as well. For those arriving from Lithuania or other countries and wanting to combine the trip with a weekend stay in Israel, a logical step is to look for fan accommodation on game day near the arena or along the coast, so the experience is complete. In any case, for the visitors this will be a major test of mental toughness: winning in Yad Eliyahu means sending a clear message to the entire EuroLeague.
Historic clashes: from Sharp’s miracle to new generations of stars
The rivalry between Maccabi and Žalgiris holds a special place in EuroLeague history, primarily because of the unforgettable game in 2004, when Derrick Sharp hit one of the most famous three-pointers in the competition’s history. Back then, in Tel Aviv, in a “do or die” duel for a Final Four berth against Žalgiris, Maccabi was on the brink of elimination, down by three points, with only two seconds left on the scoreboard; a long pass from one end of the court, a one-motion turn, and a three over the Lithuanian defender sent the game into overtime, where the yellow-blue turned everything around and later won the European title. That moment defined an era of EuroLeague basketball and cemented the myth of Yad Eliyahu as an arena where the game is never over before the final buzzer. In the years that followed, Maccabi built a positive head-to-head record against Žalgiris, and many of their matchups were often filled with drama, from unexpected comebacks to games decided on the last possessions. If we add the fact that Maccabi has won six European titles in its history and Žalgiris one, it is clear that this is not an ordinary league game but a reprise of one of Europe’s great duels.
The current season is no exception: they have already met in Kaunas, where Maccabi played one of its best defensive games of the season and held the hosts to just 65 points, in a convincing win that served as a reminder that the Israeli team, even when it does not look impressive in the standings, can explode against a high-ranked opponent. Žalgiris, meanwhile, will view this matchup as a chance for sporting revenge and proof that it can respond to Maccabi’s physical play and aggressive defense even in a hot road environment. Both teams have in the meantime played a series of tough games, so on a psychological level it will be interesting to see who withstands the pressure better and uses the experience of earlier head-to-head battles. Fans who witness the new chapter of this rivalry live will get more than a game – they will get a story in which the past meets the present, and archival clips of Sharp’s three gain a continuation in the performance of a new generation of players. That is precisely why many do not settle for following statistics and broadcasts, but want to secure their tickets and be part of living history in the stands.
Atmosphere, city, and a game-day experience to remember
Tel Aviv as the host city adds an extra dimension to this game because it is one of the liveliest and most dynamic urban centers on the Mediterranean, known by the nickname “the city that never sleeps.” The combination of long sandy beaches, modern avenues, a creative gastro scene, and nightlife that lasts until the early morning hours makes it an ideal stage for sporting spectacles, so fans often plan their entire day around the game. They spend the morning on the coast or in old Jaffa, the afternoon strolling through the “White City” with its distinctive Bauhaus architecture, and in the evening they move to Yad Eliyahu, where all those stories merge into the roar from the stands of Menora Mivtachim Arena. For those coming from other cities or countries, a logical step is to check accommodation offers in the host city and combine the sporting event with a short city break, because Tel Aviv offers enough content to fill even a whole extended weekend. Add to that that the arena is easily accessible by public transport and that there are many parking spaces in the area for those arriving by car, and it is clear why this is one of those games that is planned in advance, with tickets in your pocket and an itinerary ready days before the opening tip.
The atmosphere inside Menora Mivtachim Arena is a special story in itself: when thousands of Maccabi fans in yellow jerseys and scarves gather in the stands, and Žalgiris’ visiting fans add a green contrast, a color palette emerges that is rarely seen even in larger arenas across Europe. The home supporters’ group is known for songs and choreographies, while the guests from Kaunas bring their recognizable style of support, with drums and nonstop chanting, so the game often looks like a duel of two fan cultures as much as it is a sporting contest. In such noise, every free throw, every three, and every refereeing decision gains extra weight, and players often say that it is precisely the energy from the stands that makes the difference in moments when legs get heavy and breathing shorter. That is why tickets for games like this are often sought after by neutral fans and tourists who may not follow the EuroLeague regularly, but want to feel what “real” basketball atmosphere looks like in a city that lives for sport. If you want to sit close enough to hear the sound of the ball, the squeak of sneakers on the hardwood, and sometimes nervous comments from coaches, there is no better way than to secure your tickets in time and use the button below for an easy ticket purchase.
Practical information for fans and a final look toward January 15
For everyone planning to attend the game, it is worth thinking ahead not only about the tactical chess match on the court but also about the logistics around the evening in Tel Aviv. Menora Mivtachim Arena is located in an area well served by city bus lines and light rail, and several parking lots and garages are available nearby, allowing a relatively straightforward arrival even during peak congestion. Given the security procedures, it is advisable to come earlier, count on more detailed checks at the entrance, and enter the arena in time so you can, without stress, find your seats, have a drink, or eat something at one of the points inside the venue. Especially for families, couples, and smaller groups of friends who want to combine the game with socializing before and after the matchup, it is a good idea to look in advance at fan accommodation near the arena and thus avoid rushing after the final buzzer. In all of this, tickets are the first step: ticket sales for a duel like this are typically intense, so those who wait until the last minute often end up in less attractive sections or miss out entirely, while those who buy tickets earlier via the button below can choose among different views of the court and plan the whole experience according to their own wishes.
Although no one can predict the outcome with certainty, one thing is almost guaranteed: on January 15, spectators in Menora Mivtachim Arena can expect a basketball night in which every possession and every rebound has its own story. Maccabi will try to leverage the emotional charge of returning in front of its home EuroLeague crowd, the tradition of winning on this floor, and the fact that it has already beaten Žalgiris this season to turn the course of its campaign. Žalgiris, on the other hand, will bring cold Lithuanian rationality, tough defense, and the belief that even in such a heated environment it can impose itself if it controls the rebounding, the tempo, and the turnovers, relying on its leaders on the court. For neutral basketball lovers, this is an excellent opportunity to see a clash of two philosophies of play – Israeli pace and Lithuanian school of discipline – in an arena that has countless times been the stage of unforgettable finishes. That is precisely why tickets for this event are not just paper or a QR code, but a key to enter a story that connects the history, the present, and the future ambitions of two clubs. When the spotlights come on on January 15, the EuroLeague anthem fills the space, and the players run onto the court, the only thing that will matter is whether you secured your tickets in time and took your place in one of the most recognizable basketball arenas in Europe.
Sources:
- EuroLeague Basketball portal – schedule, head-to-head matchups, and the season record of Maccabi and Žalgiris in the EuroLeague 2025/2026.
- Basketball-database, RealGM and statistical portals – results, team form, and a historical overview of the clubs’ seasons.
- Wikipedia / grokipedia – history of the clubs Maccabi Tel Aviv and Žalgiris, data about Menora Mivtachim Arena (capacity, location, history) and the urban context of Tel Aviv.
- Club websites maccabi.co.il and zalgiris.lt – information about current rosters, coaches, and domestic competitions.
- Euroleague and Eurohoops – analyses and retrospectives of the historic 2004 game and Derrick Sharp’s three-pointer, and an overview of the trophy history of both clubs.