Unicaja returns to the Martín Carpena this Saturday, October 3, to host La Laguna Tenerife in the second round of the Liga Endesa, marking exactly 133 days since their last competitive home appearance. The tip-off is set for 19:30 local time (CET) in Málaga, Spain, with live television broadcasts on DAZN and Movistar+’s #Vamos channel, alongside radio coverage via Unicaja Baloncesto Radio and COPE MÁS Málaga.
Unicaja Prepares Roster Additions and Notable Absences for Home Opener
Head coach Txus Vidorreta takes charge of Unicaja for his first official home match at the Carpena against the club he managed for ten seasons, the last eight of which were consecutive, until his departure last summer. Unicaja’s roster features the recent acquisition of Matt Thomas, who is available for selection, while Tyler Kalinoski has returned to team training following a right-foot injury. However, the squad will play without injured players Yannick Nzosa, Alberto Díaz, and Tyson Pérez.
La Laguna Tenerife arrives in Andalusia under head coach Jaka Lakovic, following an 80-81 defeat in their domestic league opener against Casademont Zaragoza, where a buzzer-beater by Jaworski decided the contest. The Canary Islands side rebounded midweek in European competition by defeating Turk Telekom Ankara 82-75 in their Eurocup debut. The visiting roster features former Unicaja players Giorgi Shermadini, Jaime Fernández, and Tim Abromaitis, alongside veteran Brazilian guard Marcelinho Huertas.
Historical Head-to-Head Records and Preseason Form in Andalusia
This fixture has developed into a classic of Spanish basketball. Both clubs have met 16 times since 2023 across Liga Endesa, Copa del Rey, and Basketball Champions League (BCL) elimination rounds, with Unicaja claiming 10 victories—including the 2023 Copa del Rey and 2024 BCL finals—against six losses for Tenerife. Across all official competitions in history, the teams have played 52 matches, yielding 32 wins for the Málaga club, 19 for the aurinegros, and a single 84-84 draw in their first-ever meeting in 1981 between Caja de Ronda and Velázquez Canarias.
In the recent XV Torneo Costa del Sol preseason encounter, Unicaja edged La Laguna Tenerife 80-76 in a tight finish where Willy Hernangómez posted 16 points and 11 rebounds for a 32 valuation index. In regular-season league games played in Málaga specifically, the historical ledger stands at 11 wins for the hosts, six for the visitors, and the 1981 draw.
Fans Can Follow the Game via Radio and TV
Fans unable to attend the Martín Carpena arena in person can follow the action through multiple platforms. Radio broadcasts on COPE MÁS Málaga (97.1 FM) begin at 19:00 local time with commentary from Emilio Guerrero, Anicet Lavodrama, and Juan Carlos Bonilla. On television, DAZN holds the live basketball rights, while Movistar Plus broadcasts the game on channel #Vamos (dial 8), alongside regional options on Orange TV and Vodafone TV.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Unicaja and La Laguna Tenerife Matchup
What time does the Unicaja versus La Laguna Tenerife match start?
The Liga Endesa fixture begins at 19:30 local time (CET) on Saturday, October 3, at the Martín Carpena arena in Málaga.
Where can viewers watch the game on television in Spain?
The game is broadcast live on DAZN and through Movistar+ on the #Vamos channel, as well as via Orange TV and Vodafone TV packages.
Which key players are missing for Unicaja?
Unicaja enters the fixture without injured players Yannick Nzosa, Alberto Díaz, and Tyson Pérez.
