Baskonia captured the 2026 Copa del Rey, defeating Real Madrid 100‑89 in Valencia, ending a 17‑year title drought. The Basque club’s balanced attack, led by Timothé Luwawu‑Cabarrot and Mamadi Diakite, outperformed Madrid’s star‑filled lineup, securing a historic win that reshapes the ACB season, boosts Baskonia’s EuroLeague prospects, and positions them as a serious challenger for the league crown.
Game in Detail
From the opening tip‑off at 19:00 CET, the Roig Arena buzzed with anticipation. Real Madrid entered as heavy favourites, fielding veterans like Facundo Campazzo, versatile forward Usman Dani, and sharpshooter Gabriel Deck. Baskonia, under coach Vítor Oliva, arrived with renewed purpose, blending homegrown talent and strategic signings.
The first quarter saw Madrid dominate, building a 27‑19 lead through aggressive rebounding and three‑point fire. A missed triple by Campazzo handed the ball to Baskonia’s forward Mamadi Diakite, who began to assert his presence inside the paint.
In the second quarter, Timothé Luwawu‑Cabarrot sparked a 12‑2 run, finishing the half with 17 points and tightening defense that forced numerous Madrid turnovers. At halftime, Baskonia led 48‑44, hinting at a tightly contested second half.
The third quarter proved decisive. Veteran point guard Axel Biedermann orchestrated precise ball movement, exploiting Madrid’s transition lapses. Bench forward Álex Sanz added 10 points and key defensive stops, while Madrid’s missed three‑pointers, including another Campazzo miss, widened the gap.
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Entering the final period with a 68‑61 lead, Baskonia accelerated the tempo. Luwawu‑Cabarrot continued his scoring barrage, and Diakite dominated the boards with 12 rebounds and second‑chance points. Despite Usman Dani’s 22‑point effort, Baskonia sealed the victory, 100‑89, ending a 17‑year Copa del Rey wait.
Context and Background
Baskonia’s last Copa del Rey triumph came in 2009 under coach Velimir Perasović. Since then, the club faced fluctuating fortunes, often falling short in playoffs and struggling to retain top talent against Madrid’s financial power. The 2025‑26 season marked a turning point, highlighted by the acquisition of Luwawu‑Cabarrot on a two‑year deal and the promotion of Diakite from the youth ranks.
Real Madrid entered the final as defending league champions and perennial EuroLeague contenders. Their roster, bolstered by Campazzo and emerging guard Carlos Alocén, was expected to add another domestic trophy. The loss underscores the growing competitiveness of the ACB, where depth and tactical flexibility increasingly outweigh sheer star power.
Implications for the Rest of the Season
- EuroLeague Seeding: The Copa del Rey title guarantees Baskonia a higher seed in the upcoming EuroLeague group stage draw, potentially providing a more favorable path to the Top 16.
- Psychological Edge: Defeating Real Madrid in a high‑stakes final gives Baskonia a massive confidence boost for the remaining ACB fixtures.
- Recruitment Appeal: The victory enhances Baskonia’s profile among free agents seeking a competitive environment with realistic silverware prospects.
- Madrid’s Recalibration: Real Madrid is expected to re‑evaluate defensive schemes, especially perimeter coverage, and may target the transfer market for additional shooting guard depth.
Practitioners Perspective
Interview with Vítor Oliva, Head Coach, Baskonia
“Winning the Copa del Rey after 17 years is a testament to the collective work of the entire organization. We focused on building a team that could execute both on offense and defense, and the players bought into that philosophy. Timothé’s ability to create his own shot and Mamadi’s dominance on the boards were crucial, but it was also about the little things – the defensive rotations, the bench contributions, and the belief that we could compete with Madrid on any night. This victory isn’t just a trophy; it’s a statement that Baskonia is back among Spain’s elite, and we’ll carry this momentum into the EuroLeague and the remainder of the ACB season.”
Looking Ahead
Celebrations continue in Valencia, but both clubs now shift focus to upcoming challenges. Baskonia aims to translate cup success into a sustained league run, while Real Madrid seeks redemption in the remaining ACB games and the EuroLeague. The final reinforced that Spanish basketball remains a thrilling, unpredictable spectacle, where historic clubs can rise again and new narratives are forged with every dribble and dunk.
