La Rosaleda Stadium will host the 35th edition of the Costa del Sol Cup on Saturday 9th August (20:30), returning for 2025. In the previous edition of the trophy, in summer 2023, Málaga CF won 2-1 against Antequera CF in front of their fans.
The match against the Betis team will serve as a warm-up for Pellicer’s squad ahead of the start of LALIGA HYPERMOTION 25/26, scheduled for the weekend of August 16-17. Their opponent, Real Betis Balompié, finished sixth in the last season of La Liga, has been a regular in European spots in recent campaigns, and is the current runner-up of the UEFA Conference League 24/25.
In the ranks of the Heliopolitan team, there are a good number of club legends with a past at Málaga. Leading the bench, coach Manuel Pellegrini heads a coaching staff that includes former Malaguistas like Rubén Cousillas, Fernando Fernández, and José Cabello. Isco Alarcón, Pablo Fornals, Diego Llorente, and Juanmi are players who were part of the Sevilla squad last season. Not to mention the charismatic Joaquín Sánchez, who serves as a representative figure both institutionally and in the executive sports management of Betis.
History of the Costa del Sol Cup
The trophy was held for the first time in 1961, with Athletic Club Bilbao emerging victorious. Two years later, in 1963, Club Deportivo Málaga won their first title by defeating Real Madrid 3-1. Under the club’s previous name, Málaga also claimed two more victories: in 1971, in the 11th edition against Estrella Roja (2-1); and in 1974, in the 14th edition, winning on penalties against Derby County (1-1, 4-3*).
After two decades without being contested (between 1984 and 2003), the Costa del Sol Cup returned in 2004 with a victory for Sevilla FC. The following year, in 2005, Málaga Club de Fútbol won their first title and went on to repeat the triumph in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2023. The 2008 victory was notably against Real Betis Balompié (2-1), marking the club’s last return to La Liga and the prelude to a fantastic season that ended with an 8th-place finish in the table.
Great football stars like Alfredo Di Stéfano, Eusebio, and Pelé played in this trophy, in which Migueli, a legend of CD Málaga, holds the record for most appearances (12) and matches played (23). In terms of goal scoring, Málaga’s Castronovo leads with 5 goals, and for Málaga CF, the iconic defender Weligton stands out with three goals scored.
A summer tradition
With the return of the Costa del Sol Cup, Málaga revives one of its most iconic football traditions, bringing together past, present, and future in a summer event that honours history and inspires hope for a new season.
It’s a unique opportunity for Málaga fans to support their team at La Rosaleda before the start of the 25/26 season, facing a prestigious opponent like Real Betis Balompié. This will be a tribute to Andalusian football and to the bonds that continue to unite iconic figures with the Blue and White badge.
The Costa del Sol Cup is back!