Real Madrid dominates Unicaja 100-70 to reach Copa del Rey semifinals

Real Madrid sent a powerful statement in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, dismantling Unicaja de Málaga 100-70 in what can only be described as a basketball masterclass. Sergio Scariolo’s team will now face Valencia Basket this Saturday at 6:00 pm CEST in their thirteenth consecutive semifinal appearance.

The madridistas came out with clear intentions from the opening tip, establishing an aggressive defensive scheme with constant switches while limiting Unicaja’s offensive production primarily to Webb III. Their unselfish offense sought the best option on every possession, with Walter Tavares dominating the paint early with 7 points in the first quarter.

Complete team performance seals dominant victory

The offensive showcase featured contributions from across the roster, with 8 of Scariolo’s 10 rotational players finding the scoresheet in the opening quarter. Mario Hezonja and Trey Lyles each added 5 points, while Théo Maledon contributed 4. A devastating 14-0 run over three minutes capped off an exceptional first quarter, giving Madrid a commanding 28-12 advantage.

🔥 @TreyLyles pic.twitter.com/jIyTbP5cKf

— Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) February 19, 2026

Madrid’s dominance only intensified in the second quarter, maintaining their extremely high level on both ends of the court. Unicaja’s offensive rebounding, which had been their primary source of points, completely disappeared thanks to outstanding work from Usman Garuba, Alex Len, Gabriel Deck, and company. With seven players scoring in the quarter, Madrid extended their lead to 23 points (50-27) by the 19th minute.

The second half brought no respite for Unicaja, as Madrid elevated their already impressive defense to another level. The Andalusian team went five minutes without scoring a field goal, while the madridistas enjoyed themselves on offense. Deck and Sergio Llull shone in a third quarter that saw Madrid’s superiority reflected in a 71-35 scoreline by the 28th minute.

Historic milestone for Llull in comprehensive victory

With the semifinal spot secured, Madrid showed they had come to win the entire tournament. Lyles and Alberto Abalde extended the lead to 37 points on several occasions, with Madrid ultimately reaching 100 points and finishing with a 30-point margin, just two shy of their tournament record.

The victory was highlighted by a historic achievement for captain Sergio Llull, who became the all-time leader in minutes played in Copa del Rey history with 982 total minutes, surpassing former teammate Felipe Reyes (976) and Juan Carlos Navarro (973). Llull also tied Navarro as the second player with the most Copa games played (44) in his 18th tournament appearance.

✨ HISTORIA QUE TÚ HICISTE…
🫡 @23Llull, 982 minutos jugados en la Copa del Rey. pic.twitter.com/Dg573CCwP4

— Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) February 20, 2026

The comprehensive victory featured balanced scoring with 10 players contributing between 7 and 16 points each. Lyles led the way with a 23 performance index rating, followed by Maledon’s 21 PIR, as Madrid’s fans at the Roig Arena chanted « This is how Madrid wins » in celebration of a masterful display that sets up an intriguing semifinal clash.