Real Madrid Aims for Seventh Costa del Sol Title Against Unicaja

Real Madrid step into the Martín Carpena this evening with a familiar objective and an unfamiliar edge. A preseason trophy is on the line, yes, but so is rhythm, identity and a statement less than a week before the real thing begins.

The XV Costa del Sol Tournament final against Unicaja de Málaga (7:00 pm, Realmadrid TV) arrives at exactly the right time for a Madrid side that is sharpening quickly under Pedro Martínez. The EuroLeague Super Cup semifinal against Dubai Basketball looms on Friday the 18th, yet the dress rehearsal in Málaga carries its own weight.

Madrid gathering pace

The signs on the eve of the final were encouraging. Against La Laguna Tenerife, Madrid looked like a team already shedding the rust of August and early September. The second half in particular told the story: defensive intensity climbed, the pace of the offense shifted up a gear, and the structure of Martínez’s system started to appear in full view.

From a deficit, they turned the game on its head to win 90-97, a comeback that said as much about mentality as it did about tactics. The ball moved crisply, spacing improved, and the rotations began to resemble those of a side thinking about titles, not just tune‑ups.

At the heart of it all stood Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot. The Frenchman delivered a preseason statement: 26 points and a performance index rating of 27. He attacked closeouts, punished mismatches and carried Madrid through stretches when the offense stalled. On a night built for experimentation, he played like it mattered.

This is exactly what Martínez needs. His “recognizable style” depends on perimeter aggression, quick reads and players willing to take responsibility. Against Tenerife, Madrid ticked those boxes more often as the minutes went by. The evolution from the first quarter to the fourth felt clear. This is a team accelerating.

Unicaja’s new look, same ambition

Waiting for them now is a very different Unicaja, one in transition but already competitive. On Thursday, the Málaga club opened the tournament by beating La Laguna Tenerife 80-76, a tight win that immediately underlined their resilience despite sweeping changes.

Eight players have departed. The coach has changed. The project, though, has not shrunk.

Txus Vidorreta has taken over on the bench, and with him comes a clear identity and a reputation for squeezing the maximum out of his rosters. He has not arrived alone. Willy Hernangómez brings size, experience and scoring touch inside. Pantzar adds energy and control in the backcourt. Brazdeikis offers versatility on the wing, while Noua and Hunt deepen a rotation that suddenly looks both fresh and seasoned.

For Unicaja, this final is more than a home showcase. It is a first real measure of how quickly Vidorreta’s ideas are taking hold against one of the continent’s reference points. For Madrid, it is another hard test against a physical, retooled rival that will not treat this like a friendly.

A final with preseason stakes

The dynamics are clear. Madrid arrive with momentum after a comeback win and the growing imprint of their new coach. Unicaja step onto their home floor eager to show that their overhaul has elevated, not weakened, their ambitions.

Preseason or not, the Martín Carpena will feel the edge. Madrid are chasing a seventh Costa del Sol title. Unicaja want to announce the start of a new era on their own court.

In a few days, the EuroLeague Super Cup will demand answers from both clubs. Tonight in Málaga, we start to see who is ready to give them.