Real Madrid Opens Season at Home with Narrow Victory Over Unicaja, 89-87

Real Madrid secures victory against Unicaja Málaga in a closely contested matchup that could have gone either way. Neither team ever established clear control of the game. Theo Maledon and Willy Hernangómez were the standout performers for their respective teams.

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The opening matchday of the ACB saw Real Madrid face off against Unicaja Málaga. Two teams whose present circumstances shape their future. Not only was this the first ACB game for Pedro Martinez at the helm of the Madrid side, but it was also the debut for Txus Vidorreta leading the Málaga team. Two accomplished coaches taking on new challenges.

The game started with the home team creating small advantages that the southern Spanish visitors quickly neutralized. The visitors managed to take the lead without a clear standout player. To close out the first quarter, two baskets from Luwawu-Cabarrot left Martinez's team up by one, 23-22.

The second quarter brought renewed energy to the home side, who quickly returned to their dominant rhythm, building a five-point lead. Despite the capital team maintaining their edge on the scoreboard, the margin remained minimal—the largest advantage they managed was eight points, but immediately after achieving it, Unicaja mounted a comeback with a 6-14 run. The teams went into halftime at 46-47 (23-25).

A three-pointer from Facundo Campazzo brought the lead back into dispute. The advantage remained unclear throughout the quarter, shifting between Martinez's and Vidorreta's teams on multiple occasions. Willy Hernangómez stood out with 18 points through the third quarter with minimal errors (6-8 from the field). The quarter ended 65-71 (19-24).

The start of the final period reminded the Málaga team of Real Madrid's dominance, as the visitors closed the gap in the opening minutes. Although Vidorreta's team controlled most of the quarter, with three minutes remaining on the clock, a three-pointer from Facu Campazzo tied the game. Ultimately, Real Madrid prevailed 89-87.

The game's standout performer was Theo Maledon, with 17 points and 7 assists, resulting in a rating of 23. For Unicaja, Willy Hernangómez deserves recognition with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 blocks, establishing himself as his team's best player.