Home / Sports / EuroLeague Shock: Giants Fall, Underdogs Rise!
EuroLeague Shock: Giants Fall, Underdogs Rise!
8 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Traditional powerhouses Real Madrid and Fenerbahce are struggling early.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv leads the league in their debut season.
- Crvena Zvezda and Žalgiris Kaunas are surprising contenders.
The 2025-26 EuroLeague season has delivered an unprecedented shake-up, with long-dominant teams like Real Madrid and Fenerbahce experiencing significant struggles. Real Madrid, typically a powerhouse, finds itself in 10th place, grappling with a loss of identity and execution. Reigning champions Fenerbahce are narrowly clinging to a playoff spot in eighth, facing roster issues and fitness concerns.
This season's anarchy is best exemplified by the surprising performance of Hapoel Tel Aviv. In their maiden EuroLeague campaign, the Israeli club has surged to the top of the standings with an impressive 9-4 record, securing notable victories and showcasing a ruthless streak.
Alongside Hapoel, Crvena Zvezda and Žalgiris Kaunas are also making significant statements. Crvena Zvezda has transformed a turbulent preseason into a springboard for a powerful offense, built on physicality and resilience. Žalgiris Kaunas, perennial underdogs, are showing signs of repeating their past successes, driven by standout performances and a cohesive team structure.
