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Protests outside, empty stands inside as Hapoel Tel Aviv beat Barca in EuroLeague

Players compete during EuroLeague match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Barca played behind closed doors for security reasons at the Palau Blaugrana in Barcelona, Spain, March 13, 2026. (AA Photo)
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Players compete during EuroLeague match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Barca played behind closed doors for security reasons at the Palau Blaugrana in Barcelona, Spain, March 13, 2026. (AA Photo)
March 14, 2026 10:02 AM GMT+03:00

Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Barca 80-75 in a EuroLeague game played behind closed doors at Palau Blaugrana in Barcelona, where dozens of protesters gathered outside the arena to object to the Israeli club's presence in the city.

The game went ahead without fans for security reasons, while a group outside the venue chanted slogans and protested the decision to stage the fixture.

Protesters wave Palestinian flags outside Palau Blaugrana in Barcelona as demonstrators gather to protest Hapoel Tel Aviv’s EuroLeague game against Barca. (AA Photo)

Security concerns shape night on and off court

The match unfolded in an unusual atmosphere as the stands remained empty throughout the night. Outside the arena, dozens of demonstrators assembled in front of Palau Blaugrana, Barcelona's indoor sports venue, to protest Hapoel Tel Aviv's visit for the EuroLeague fixture.

As the game played out without spectators, the demonstration continued outside, turning the event into a night shaped as much by security measures as by basketball.

Players compete during EuroLeague match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Barca played behind closed doors for security reasons at the Palau Blaugrana in Barcelona, Spain, March 13, 2026. (AA Photo)
Players compete during EuroLeague match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Barca played behind closed doors for security reasons at the Palau Blaugrana in Barcelona, Spain, March 13, 2026. (AA Photo)

Barca start well but let game slip away

On the court, Barca came out strongly and built a 26-19 lead by the end of the first quarter. However, the momentum swung sharply in the second period, when the home side went four minutes without scoring and Hapoel surged ahead.

Barca's poor shot selection and turnovers allowed the visitors to take control before halftime, with Hapoel carrying a 46-40 lead into the break. Although Barca tried to fight back in the second half and cut the gap to five points heading into the final quarter, they could not turn the game around.

Both sides struggled offensively in the closing stretch, but Hapoel held on and saw out an 80-75 win.

March 14, 2026 10:02 AM GMT+03:00
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