sports

Copa del Rey 2026 Starts with Host Challenge, Final Rematch

Copa del Rey de Valencia 2026 kicks off today with two high-stakes matches: Joventut challenging the host Valencia Basket and a final rematch between Real Madrid and Unicaja.

The tournament opens with Joventut attempting to break the host curse, as Valencia Basket seeks to become only the third host in 33 editions to win the opening match. The last host victory came 24 years ago when Tau triumphed in Vitoria 2002.

In the nightcap, the tournament favorite Real Madrid faces defending champion Unicaja in a rematch of last year's final, continuing their recent rivalry in the competition.