Watching Málaga CF and Unicaja: tickets, stadiums and matchday tips

Málaga is a good city for live sport. In the 2026/27 season Málaga CF is back in LaLiga EA Sports, the top division of Spanish football, and Unicaja is one of the strongest basketball clubs in Europe, playing in the Liga Endesa and the Basketball Champions League. Going to a match is also one of the easiest ways to feel part of local life. This guide explains how tickets work, where the two clubs play and what to expect on matchday.

Málaga CF in the 2026/27 season

Málaga CF returned to the top tier for the 2026/27 season. According to the club, the league campaign started away at Atlético de Madrid on 16 August 2026, the first home league match at La Rosaleda was against RC Deportivo on 23 August 2026, and the regular season ends at home against Sevilla FC on 30 May 2027.

Home matches are played at the Estadio La Rosaleda, close to the Guadalmedina river and within walking distance of the city centre. There are long-term plans to renovate the stadium ahead of the 2030 World Cup, so check the club website for any changes to the venue or access before you go.

A practical point for newcomers: LaLiga sets the exact day and kick-off time of each round only a few weeks ahead, because of TV schedules. A match listed for “the weekend” can end up on a Friday night, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Wait for the official time before you book a table or travel.

How to buy tickets for Málaga CF

The safest place to buy is the club itself. Tickets are sold through the official website malagacf.com and at the club ticket offices at La Rosaleda.

• Season ticket holders first: Club members (abonados) usually get priority, and for high-demand matches a large part of the stadium is already taken by season tickets. General sale tickets for popular games can sell out quickly.
• Away matches: Tickets for away games are normally reserved for members. For the trip to the Santiago Bernabéu in August 2026, for example, the club ran a draw for members, and tickets had to be collected in person at the La Rosaleda ticket offices.
• Resale sites: You will find Málaga CF tickets on international resale platforms, often at higher prices. They are not the club’s official channel, and the club’s ticket conditions may not allow resale. If you want to be sure your ticket is valid, buy from the club.
• Becoming a member: If you plan to go regularly, ask about season tickets (abonos) for the next season. The renewal and new-member periods are announced on the club website, normally in the summer.

Unicaja and the Martín Carpena

Unicaja (Baloncesto Málaga) plays its home games at the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena, usually just called “el Carpena”, in the west of the city. The club is one of the most successful in recent European basketball. It won the Basketball Champions League in 2023/24 and 2024/25 and the Spanish cup (Copa del Rey) in 2023 and 2025.

In the 2026/27 season Unicaja plays in the Liga Endesa (the Spanish ACB league) and again in the Basketball Champions League, where it was drawn in Group E with Pallacanestro Reggiana, BC Juventus Utena and BK KVIS Pardubice. That means there are often two home games in a week during the winter, typically a league game at the weekend and a European game midweek.

Tickets are sold through the ticketing section of the official website unicajabaloncesto.com. Basketball tickets are usually easier to get than football tickets, and midweek European games are a good first match if you want to try it out. The atmosphere is loud but family friendly, and the arena is indoors, which makes it a good plan for a rainy winter evening.

Matchday tips

• Arrive early: Security checks at the entrances can take time, especially for football. Plan to be at your gate well before kick-off.
• Bring ID and your ticket on your phone: Many clubs now use digital tickets. Charge your phone and download the ticket before you leave home, in case the mobile signal is weak around the stadium.
• What not to bring: Spanish stadium rules ban glass, cans, flares and fireworks, and large bags may not be allowed. Check the club’s access rules before your first visit.
• Getting there: Both venues are in the city, so public transport, walking or a taxi is usually easier than driving. Parking near La Rosaleda on matchdays is very limited. For bus and metro routes, check the EMT Málaga and Metro Málaga websites before you go.
• Eat Spanish style: Evening kick-offs are common, so many fans have tapas in the area before the game and dinner afterwards. Bars near the stadium fill up quickly before big matches.
• Colours and chants: Málaga CF plays in blue and white stripes, and Unicaja in green and purple. Wearing the club colours is a simple way to blend in, and nobody minds if you do not know the songs yet.

Watching with other fans

If you cannot get a ticket, watching in a bar is a big part of Spanish football culture. Many bars in Málaga show Málaga CF matches, and peñas (supporters’ clubs) meet in local bars and social clubs across the province. Joining a peña is a good way to meet people, practise your Spanish and get help with tickets for big games.

Sport is also a good way into local life beyond watching. If you would rather play than watch, read our guide to joining a sports team in Spain. For concerts and other big events in the area, see where to find events on the Costa del Sol and buy tickets. And if you are thinking about moving to the city, our guide to moving to Málaga city covers neighbourhoods and transport.

FAQ: Watching Málaga CF and Unicaja

Which league does Málaga CF play in during 2026/27?

Málaga CF plays in LaLiga EA Sports, the top division of Spanish football, in the 2026/27 season. Home league matches are played at La Rosaleda.

Where can I buy official tickets?

For Málaga CF, use the official website malagacf.com or the ticket offices at La Rosaleda. For Unicaja, use the ticketing section of unicajabaloncesto.com. Resale sites are not the clubs’ official channels.

When are kick-off times confirmed?

LaLiga publishes exact days and times a few weeks before each round. Check the club or LaLiga website before you make plans.

Is a basketball game a good choice for families?

Yes, many families go to Unicaja games. The arena is indoors and the atmosphere is lively but relaxed. Check the club’s ticket conditions for children before you buy.

Useful links

• Málaga CF official website
• Unicaja Baloncesto official website
• LaLiga: Málaga CF fixtures

Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and prices change, so check with the official source before you decide.