The city of Malaga was abuzz with excitement as Unicaja’s coaching staff, technical team, and directive celebrated their Copa del Rey title, a victory that would continue to be feted on Monday afternoon with a Rúa that would make its way through the streets of the city center. The team’s plane, direct from Gran Canaria, touched down at 3:30 in the morning at the Costa del Sol airport, carrying with it the heroes of this cup win, along with displaced journalists, fans, family members of players, and the entire club delegation.
As the team arrived, a sense of anticipation filled the air – and it wasn’t just the exhaustion from the early morning hour that was palpable. A group of over two hundred fans had gathered, waving scarves and banners, filling the interior galleries with songs, all waiting to catch a glimpse of their beloved team. And then, about an hour later, the Cup appeared, held aloft by Captain Alberto Díaz, unleashing a frenzy of excitement among the waiting crowd.
“Montoya” sneaks into the arrival of Unicaja to Malaga
The MVP of the final, Kendrick Perry, and Unicaja coach Ibon Navarro, were two of the most cheered by the fans, who had assembled in the arrivals terminal to the rhythm of the charanga of the Mihitas, singing the team’s anthem “I always take you with me” at the top of their lungs, and chanting “Yes, yes, yes, the cup is here!” It was a testament to the admiration for each of the architects of this Copa del Rey win, which marked the ninth title in Unicaja’s history, and the fifth in the Iberian era under Navarro, who has been at the helm since the 2022/23 season.
In just two years, Navarro has led the team to two championships, including the Badalona 2023 and Gran Canaria 2025 titles, as well as the FIBA Champions League (BCL) 2024, and the two titles from the first half of this campaign – the Endesa Super Cup in Murcia and the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Singapore. The team’s achievements are a remarkable feat, and it’s no wonder that the fans were out in full force to welcome them home.
The celebration of La Rúa through the center of Malaga on Monday will kick off at 5:00 p.m., and while the team won’t be making a stop at the Basilica of Victory for the Offering of the Title to the Patroness this time around, you can bet that the excitement will still be electric. As the team takes to the streets, they’ll be basking in the adoration of their fans, and rightfully so – after all, this is a team that’s been making waves in the basketball world, and they’ve got the trophies to prove it. So, what’s next for Unicaja? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – this team is on fire, and they’re not showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.