La Rosaleda Stadium will host the 36th edition of the Cervezas Victoria Costa del Sol Cup on Wednesday 12th August (21:00), marking the return of the traditional summer tournament in 2026. In last year's edition, Málaga CF defeated Real Betis Balompié 3-1 in front of their home fans.
The clash against the London outfit will serve as Juanfran Funes' side's final dress rehearsal ahead of the start of the 2026/27 LALIGA EA SPORTS season, which gets underway on Wednesday 19th August with a home fixture against Atlético de Madrid. Their opponents, Fulham FC, are managed by Álvaro Arbeloa and finished 11th in the Premier League last season.
History of the Costa del Sol Cup
The trophy was first held in 1961, with Athletic Club de Bilbao emerging victorious. Two years later, in 1963, Club Deportivo Málaga claimed its first title by defeating Real Madrid 3-1. Under the club's former name, Málaga lifted the trophy on two further occasions: in 1971, beating Red Star Belgrade 2-1 in the 11th edition, and in 1974, overcoming Derby County on penalties in the 14th edition after a 1-1 draw (4-3 on penalties).
After a 20-year hiatus between 1984 and 2003, the Costa del Sol Cup returned in 2004, with Sevilla FC lifting the title. A year later, in 2005, Málaga Club de Fútbol claimed its first trophy under its current name, before adding further triumphs in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2023. The 2008 victory, a 2-1 win over Real Betis Balompié, came in the club's previous return to the top flight and proved to be the perfect prelude to a superb campaign that ended with an eighth-place finish in LaLiga. Last summer, once again against Betis, Málaga lifted the trophy before going on to enjoy a dream season, culminating in promotion back to Spain's top division.
Some of football's greatest names, including Alfredo Di Stéfano, Eusebio and Pelé, have featured in the tournament. Migueli, a legendary CD Málaga defender, holds the record for the most appearances, having played in 12 editions and 23 matches. In the scoring charts, Castronovo remains the competition's all-time leading Málaga goalscorer with five goals. In the MCF era, the standout marksman is iconic defender Weligton, who scored three goals in the tournament.
A summer tradition
With the staging of the Cervezas Victoria Costa del Sol Cup, Málaga continues one of its most iconic footballing traditions, bringing together the club's past, present and future in a summer showcase that celebrates its rich history while building excitement for the season ahead.
It also offers Malaguista fans a unique opportunity to get behind their team at La Rosaleda before the start of the 2026/27 campaign, as they take on an established Premier League side from one of the world's strongest football competitions.
We can't wait for the Cervezas Victoria Costa del Sol Cup! Bring on the 36th edition!