Baskonia Triumphs Over Real Madrid in Copa del Rey Final

Baskonia secured a decisive victory over Real Madrid with a final score of 100-89, claiming the 2026 Copa del Rey title. The win marks a turning point for the club and a significant achievement for head coach Paolo Galbiati.

Galbiati’s Emotional Celebration and Leadership

The victory was met with an outpouring of emotion from coach Paolo Galbiati, who celebrated by embracing his parents and acknowledging the enthusiastic support of the Baskonia fans. He had previously won the Italian Basketball Cup in 2018 with Auxilium Torino and again in 2025 with Aquila Trento.

“I have worked a lot to strive to motivate the group. It is not easy to create this chemistry. I am completely happy about this,”

Paolo Galbiati

Galbiati emphasized the importance of unity and perseverance, sharing his personal mantra: Survive and advance. He expressed gratitude to his players for their belief in his vision and highlighted the lasting memories created through this championship.

Key Moments and Game Details

The game saw Baskonia take control with a strong performance in the fourth quarter, outscoring Real Madrid 33-17. The final score reflected a dominant display by Baskonia, with a quarter-by-quarter breakdown of:

• Q1: Real Madrid 26 – Baskonia 26
• Q2: Real Madrid 26 – Baskonia 21
• Q3: Real Madrid 20 – Baskonia 20
• Q4: Real Madrid 17 – Baskonia 33
• Total: Real Madrid 89 – Baskonia 100

Trent Forrest, named the MVP of the final, expressed his joy, stating, This is my first Cup and I aim for to thank my teammates and our fans. It is the happiest day of my life, almost certainly.

Galbiati’s Journey to Success

Paolo Galbiati, 42, took the helm at Baskonia in August 2025, signing a two-season deal. His coaching career includes previous roles with Auxilium Torino, Biella, Vanoli Cremona, Pallacanestro Varese, and Aquila Trento. He also coached the U20 Italian national team.

Galbiati’s initial success with Baskonia involved returning the team to the Copa del Rey after a two-year absence. He aimed to instill a championship mentality within the squad, stating, Although they said I was crazy, I wanted to convince them that they should want to win the Cup.

Looking Ahead

The victory over Real Madrid signifies a resurgence for Baskonia and positions them as a formidable force in the Liga ACB and EuroLeague. Galbiati, inspired by coaches like Sergio Scariolo, aims to build a legacy of championship success.

“My dream is to win many trophies like him, including the Olympic medal.”

Paolo Galbiati

FAQ

• Who is Paolo Galbiati? Paolo Galbiati is the head coach of Baskonia, having previously coached several Italian teams and the U20 Italian national team.
• What was the final score of the Copa del Rey final? Baskonia defeated Real Madrid 100-89.
• When did Galbiati become the head coach of Baskonia? He was appointed in August 2025.