Madrid and Dubai open fire in the inaugural Super Cup of Abu Dhabi

The Euroleague opens a new competitive era with the SuperCup, a tournament that introduces a new format and venue at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on September 18 and 19. Four elite teams gather in the Emirati capital to compete in a Final Four that promises intensity from the first day. Tickets went on sale this Monday and are now exclusively available through the venue's website.

The line-up of participants attests to the prestige of this inaugural competition. Olympiacos, the current Euroleague champion, arrives as a European benchmark. Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul, champions in 2025, represents Turkish strength. Real Madrid, finalist in 2026 and the all-time historical winner with eleven continental titles, completes the trio of top favorites. Rounding out the quartet is Dubai Basketball, the Emirati representative looking to establish itself in elite continental basketball.

The tournament schedule and structure

The semifinals kick off on Friday, September 18. The first match pits the last two champions, Olympiacos and Fenerbahce, against each other at 16:00 Spanish peninsular time. Just three hours later, at 19:00, it’s time for the Madrid-Dubai matchup, a game that generates particular interest due to the context surrounding both teams.

The winners of both semifinals meet on Saturday, September 19, at 19:00 in the inaugural final, the match that will determine the first champion of this new competition. Previously, at 16:00, the third place match will take place, completing a schedule of two intense and demanding days.

Madrid-Dubai: much more than basketball

The clash between the white team and the Emiratis comes at a particularly delicate moment. The Euroleague has just opened a disciplinary case against Dubai Basketball concerning the Thomas Walkup situation, following a complaint from Olympiacos regarding an improper approach to the player. The coincidence is notable: in the same inaugural competition, the complaining club, the accused, and the body conducting the investigation coexist, adding political and sporting complexity to the tournament.

For Dubai, the Supercup represents an opportunity and a simultaneous challenge. This is their second season in the Euroleague, virtually debuting at home in the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The Emirati club has invested significant resources to strengthen their roster during the summer. Toko Shengelia joins from Barcelona, while Elie Okobo and Jaron Blossomgame come from Monaco. The goal is clear: to compete at the highest level from day one.

A Real Madrid in the phase of adaptation

Opposing them is a Real Madrid in construction and adaptation. Pedro Martínez takes the white bench in this competition, which represents an important first test for the new coach. The roster includes seven interior options after the recent signing of Damian Jones, a decision that reflects the club's commitment to depth in that position.

The white team's preseason began with a loss to Río Breogán in Pontevedra, a result that is not overly concerning at this stage of preparation but shows that there is work ahead. The Supercup arrives as the first real test, a tournament where the margin for adjustments is limited and the competition is immediate.

Tickets and access modalities

Tickets for the Supercup are sold exclusively through the Etihad Arena website. The Friday event, which includes both semifinals, ranges from 55 to 138 euros depending on the seat category. Saturday’s event, featuring the third place match and the final, is priced from 102 to 256 euros, reflecting the appeal of the inaugural final.

For those wishing to follow the entire competition, season tickets for the four matches remain available between 143 and 359 euros, subject to availability. Additionally, there are VIP packages available that offer a differentiated experience. Fans interested in witnessing this historic tournament can access various options according to their preferences and budget.

The Abu Dhabi Supercup represents a milestone in Euroleague history. It combines tradition with innovation, bringing together the top continental winners in a concentrated format that promises excitement from the first minute. Real Madrid has the opportunity to begin its journey under Pedro Martínez’s leadership with a victory that brings them closer to the inaugural final, although Dubai Basketball, strengthened and playing on home soil, presents an uncomfortable rival in a semifinal that nobody considers settled.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Madrid y Dubái abren fuego en la Supercopa inaugural de Abu Dabi