Malaga vs Deportivo – News and Probable Lineups

In a clash of teams recently promoted to La Liga, Malaga will face Deportivo La Coruna at Estadio La Rosaleda on Monday evening.

Malaga kicked off their 2026-27 La Liga journey with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid, while Deportivo began the new season with a 1-1 draw against Elche.

Match overview

Malaga’s return to the top division commenced with a 2-0 loss to Atletico on August 19, but they delivered a commendable performance for significant stretches, as Diego Simeone’s squad did not break the deadlock until the 70th minute courtesy of new addition Lee Kang-in.

The White and Sky Blues marked their return to La Liga by navigating through the Segunda Division playoffs last season, returning to the top tier for the first time since the 2017-18 campaign.

This summer, Juan Francisco Funes has bolstered his squad with four new signings: Juan Cruz, Pablo Martinez, Fernando Calero, and Jose Salinas. However, there have been six departures from the first team, with the potential for more as the transfer window nears its close.

Historically, Malaga has achieved victory in only 11 of their last 44 encounters with Deportivo across all competitions, with Deportivo enjoying a head-to-head advantage with 17 wins.

In the previous season, Malaga secured a decisive 3-0 win over Deportivo at home, yet their away match in April ended in a 1-1 draw.

Deportivo finished as runners-up in last season’s Segunda Division, securing their return to La Liga for the first time since the 2017-18 season, coinciding with Malaga’s return.

Last season, the gap between fourth-placed Malaga and second-placed Deportivo in the Segunda Division was a mere four points, indicating that their rivalry is expected to be closely contested this season as well.

Antonio Hidalgo’s team opened their La Liga campaign for 2026-27 with a 1-1 draw against Elche; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored during his debut for Deportivo, while Marc Aguado equalized for Elche.

The Blue and Whites have made seven new signings this summer, with six players leaving the club, resulting in a refreshed squad at this point in the transfer window.

There is anticipated to be more movement both in and out of Estadio Riazor as Hidalgo aims to build a squad that can maintain their position in La Liga.

Team News

Malaga will welcome Aaron Ochoa back into their squad following a suspension on Monday, although Adrian Nino, Diego Murillo, Juanpe, Calero, and Moussa Diarra are sidelined due to injuries.

Head coach Funes is likely to refrain from making numerous changes to his lineup, despite the unsatisfactory outcome against Atletico last time, as the team’s overall performance showed promise.

Chupe, who netted 25 goals in Spain’s second tier last season, is expected to once again lead the attack.

Meanwhile, Deportivo will be without Yeremay Hernandez due to a groin issue; Noe Carrillo’s fitness is also in doubt as he is dealing with an injury.

Aubameyang, who scored for Deportivo in the last match, will continue to play in the attacking line.

Expect Lorenzo Amatucci to start in central midfield, having delivered an impressive performance on his debut last time out.

Malaga probable starting XI:

Blacksmith; Puga, Recio, Galilee, Raphita; Merino; Larrubia, Doctor, Lawrence, Munoz; To him

Deportivo La Coruna probable starting XI:

Roman; Navarro, Noubi, Ede, Quagliata; Soriano, Amatucci; Altimira, Nsongo, Asp Jensen; Aubameyang

Both teams possess attacking quality, and an open encounter can be expected, potentially resulting in a 2-2 draw.