| Atletico Madrid vs Malaga | |
| MATCH | La Liga |
| DATE | 20 - 08 - 2026 |
| TIME | 12.30 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Riyadh Air |
Atletico Madrid vs Malaga: Match Preview
Atletico Madrid begin their 2026-27 campaign looking to improve on a disappointing fourth-place finish in La Liga last season. Diego Simeone’s side ended the previous campaign 25 points behind champions Barcelona and will face another difficult challenge from Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race for the title.
The Red and Whites have strengthened their squad during the summer, bringing in Alejandro Grimaldo, Lee Kang-in, Morten Hjulmand and Cristian Romero. The new arrivals should provide Simeone with greater depth and quality as Atletico look to close the gap at the top of Spanish football.
Atletico played four pre-season matches, recording victories over Getafe and Marseille, while suffering defeats against Premier League sides Manchester United and Manchester City.
They also have an excellent recent record against Malaga. Atletico have won 40 of their 71 meetings in all competitions, including each of their last five encounters. Malaga’s most recent victory came in December 2015, when they recorded a 1-0 home win. They have not beaten Atletico away from home since May 2011.
Malaga, meanwhile, are back in the Spanish top flight after securing promotion through the 2025-26 Segunda Division playoffs. The club are returning to La Liga for the first time since the 2017-18 season and will be determined to make a strong start to life back among Spain’s elite.
Juan Francisco Funes’ team have made three summer additions, signing Juan Cruz, Fernando Calero and Jose Salinas. However, six first-team players have also departed, including Darko Brasanac.
Their pre-season preparations have been mixed, with Malaga winning just one of their matches. They head into this fixture after a 2-2 draw against Premier League side Fulham.
Atletico Madrid pre-season form: W-L-L-W
Malaga pre-season form: D-D-W-L-D
Team News
Atletico are expected to be in relatively strong shape, although Alexander Sorloth will face a late fitness test after suffering a minor injury last week.
Julian Alvarez missed the recent meeting with Marseille amid speculation over his future, and it remains uncertain whether the forward will return to the squad for this match.
Summer signings Alejandro Grimaldo and Lee Kang-in could make their Atletico debuts, while Arnau Ortiz’s impressive pre-season performances may earn the 24-year-old a place in the starting XI. Cristian Romero, however, is not expected to be available yet.
Malaga have more concerns to deal with. Aaron Ochoa is suspended, while Carlos Dotor, Fernando Calero, Diego Murillo and Adrian Nino are all expected to miss the game through injury.
Juanpe is also facing a late fitness test because of a hamstring problem, meaning Malaga could potentially be without six players.
Jose Salinas is expected to make his debut at left-back, while Chupe is likely to lead the attack after an outstanding 2025-26 campaign in which he scored 25 goals in all competitions.
With Atletico possessing a significantly stronger squad and an excellent recent record in this fixture, Simeone’s side will start as favourites. Malaga’s return to La Liga provides plenty of motivation, but earning a positive result away to Atletico will be a major challenge.
