Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv will begin its 2025/26 European journey with a road game against Anadolu Efes on Tuesday at 20:45 (Israel time), a matchup that will be played in Podgorica, Montenegro due to security considerations. The Yellows are aiming to start on the right foot and overcome the Turkish opponent, which reshaped its roster over the summer and arrives with a strong squad.

This is in fact a double week to launch the season, as on Friday Oded Kattash and his players will “host” Paris at Maccabi’s temporary home court, the Aleksandar Nikoli? Hall in Belgrade. The team held its final practice on Monday at Menora Mivtachim Arena before departing, with the full roster available to the coach, including Uro? Trifunovi?, who has returned to fitness.

Oded Kattash on the opponent:
“Anadolu Efes is very talented, with many creative guards, shooting ability, and a coach who does things differently – very creative. It’s quite clear that we’ll need to stop them on a team level. They also brought in new players, but ones who already know European basketball, which makes it easier.”

Roman Sorkin added:
“We’re at the beginning of the season, it’s new for everyone. We’re mainly focusing on ourselves. There are players here for whom this is their first year in Europe, so we need to give them time. None of our teams over the years have looked its best at the start. It does matter, but it’s not the main thing – it’s better that we look good later on, in the decisive stages. We need to connect, to play together, and that’s not simple. We’ve got a great group of guys here. The social side is amazing, everyone here is talented, and that’s why they’re here.”