Por Ismael Buendia Back to Carpena! Unicaja, after winning this Friday at the Palau Blaugrana, will play the third and final quarterfinal match against Barça at home on Sunday, June 8th (18:30, broadcasted by #Vamos -dial 8-, Movistar Deportes -dial 63- and ⇒Unicaja Baloncesto Radio). A victory would send Unicaja to their 16th semifinal in the Playoff history of Liga Endesa, the third consecutive one, and would end the streak against Barça in playoff series for the title.
If Unicaja prevails, it would be the first time in the Club’s history that they defeat the Catalan team in a Playoff series in Liga Endesa. In the previous 10 encounters, Barça emerged victorious, always benefiting from the home-court advantage. Out of those ten series, 5 had to be decided in the final and decisive match, a scenario that will repeat itself this Sunday… with the difference that, for the first time, Unicaja will have the support of their fans against Barça in the crucial game.
The first time in Liga Endesa. In 2007, in the quarterfinals of the Euroleague, both teams clashed in a series that had to be settled at Carpena after each team won their home game. In a tight match with a spot in the Final Four in Athens at stake, the Malaga team managed to prevail in a game marked by Pepe Sánchez’s legendary three-pointer with 8 seconds left (67-64). That was the first and only time to date that Unicaja has overcome Barça in a Playoff series.
It would also mean that the team coached by Ibon Navarro would come back for the second time in the Club’s history from a 0-1 deficit in the Liga Endesa Playoff, after the 2009 quarterfinals against Kalise Gran Canaria. In that series, Malaga surrendered at Carpena in overtime (90-96) to win in Gran Canaria (68-70) and bring the series back to Malaga. There, Unicaja didn’t miss the opportunity, sealing their spot in the competition’s semifinals (88-57). Now, fate offers a new chance to repeat that feat and, in the process, eliminate the Club’s nemesis in the fight for the league title.
Malaga, a guarantee
If a crucial game in the title race needs to be played, doing it in Malaga is synonymous with a guarantee. Throughout its history, Unicaja has played 9 matches between Ciudad Jardín and Carpena where the winner advanced in the Liga Endesa Playoff. Out of those, the Malaga team has won 7, making the support of the fans essential in these encounters.
The series resolved in the final match of the series in Malaga are as follows:
- 1995-96. Quarterfinals VS TDK Manresa. Defeat 1-2.
- 2002-03. Quarterfinals VS TAU Cerámica. Victory 3-2.
- 2004-05. Quarterfinals VS Etosa Alicante. Victory 3-2.
- 2005-06. Semifinals VS DKV Joventut. Victory 3-2.
- 2008-09. Quarterfinals VS Kalise Gran Canaria. Victory 2-1.
- 2013-14. Quarterfinals VS Herbalife Gran Canaria. Victory 2-1.
- 2014-15. Quarterfinals VS Laboral Kutxa Baskonia. Victory 2-1.
- 2016-17. Quarterfinals VS Iberostar Tenerife. Victory 2-1.
- 2023-24. Semifinals VS UCAM Murcia. Defeat 2-3.
There was also a precedent in a fifth and decisive match in the relegation Playoff of 1992. The then Unicaja Ronda overcame Collado Villalba in a long series, securing their place in the category after defeating the Madrid team in Ciudad Jardín by 65 to 63 in the deciding match.
Fan Zone Unicaja
All our fans can warm up for the match in the Fan Zone, which will be dedicated to Unicaja this time. From 16:30 to 18:00, everyone who wishes can come and show off the team’s colors on their skin thanks to the face painting set up for the occasion. There will also be a workshop to make noise-making devices to cheer on Unicaja. Additionally, the traditional basketball shooting game will take place, with prizes to be won, as well as Club merchandise available at the booths.
Unicaja will face Barça on Sunday, June 8th in the third and final quarterfinal match of the Liga Endesa Playoff at Martín Carpena. The game, starting at 18:30, will be broadcasted by #Vamos -dial 8-, Movistar Deportes -dial 63- and ⇒Unicaja Baloncesto Radio.
Get your tickets ⇒HERE.