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2026/27 La Liga
Matchday 1
Atletico Madrid vs Malaga
Wednesday 19 August, 21:00
Metropolitano Stadium
Malaga CF’s return to La Liga will be marked by a stern test, as they face hosts Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday 19 August, kick-off at 21:00.
Form and team news
Atletico finished in a disappointing fourth place in La Liga last season – a full 25 points off the pace set by champions Barcelona. Nonetheless, Los Rojiblancos once again qualified for the UEFA Champions League and will look to upset Barca and arch rivals Real Madrid in the race for the title this season, with coach Diego Simeone boosted by the arrivals of Morten Hjulmand, Kang-in Lee and Alejandro Grimaldo.
Malaga are back in La Liga after eight years away from the top flight, having finished fourth in the Segunda Division before winning the Playoffs to secure promotion. Coach Juan Francisco Funes has been in charge of Los Albiceleste’s first team since November 2025 and will be hungry to prove himself by keeping the club in La Liga.
Los Albicelestes have secured key arrivals like winger Juan Cruz from CD Leganés, experienced center-back Fernando Calero on a free transfer from Espanyol, and left-back José Salinas on loan.
What the teams are saying
Malaga coach Juan Francisco Funes on the challenge awaiting his team this season: “When there's a significant change in the league, and these players haven't had the opportunity to compete at this level before, perhaps the challenge is adapting as quickly as possible to its demands.
“I think we have the talent, but the competition has a different level of intensity than what our players have experienced. Moving up to [La Liga] involves a period of adjusting to all the game's rhythms and circumstances. That adaptation has to happen as quickly as possible.”
Head-to-head
Atletico and Malaga have clashed in 71 matches dating back as far as 1949. Los Rojiblancos have claimed 40 wins compared to 12 for Los Albicelestes, while 19 games have been drawn.
The teams will meet for the first time since the 2017/18 season, in which Atletico completed a double over Malaga by winning 1-0 both home and away.
2026/27 La Liga fixtures Matchday 1
Saturday 15 August
19:30: Alaves vs Getafe
21:30: Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano
Sunday 16 August
17:00: Racing vs Villarreal
19:00: Espanyol vs Levante
21:30: Celta vs Osasuna
Monday 17 August
21:00: Deportivo vs Elche
Wednesday 19 August
21:00: Atletico vs Malaga
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