La Liga 2026–2027: Málaga vs. Espanyol, Probable Lineups

After the very long break for international play, the major European leagues are back in action: La Liga kicks off again as early as Friday night, with a match at Estadio La Rosaleda between host Málaga and Espanyol, kicking off at 9 p.m. under the guidance of referee Francisco José Hernández Maeso.

Málaga went into the break with just three points earned in the first seven league matches and a last-place standing that is already starting to cause concern, even though the teams below them are not far behind. Their only win this season came in a friendly on August 6 against Al-Arabi (4-2); in league play, they’ve recorded three draws (1-1 against Deportivo La Coruña, 0-0 against Levante, and 1-1 in Vigo against Celta) and four losses (2-0 to Atlético Madrid, 4-0 to Real Madrid, 3-1 at home to Málaga, and 1-0 to Getafe).

Espanyol, on the other hand, has had a mixed start to the season: two wins—both quite convincing—against Levante (3-0) and Osasuna (2-0), but also four losses, three of which were 2-1 (against Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, and Rayo Vallecano) and one 3-1 home loss to Elche. Their only draw came on September 6 against Sevilla (1-1). The team coached by Manolo Gonzalez is currently tied for 14th place, two points above the relegation zone.

Probable Lineups

MALAGA (4-1-4-1): Herrero; Rafita, Recio, Berrocal, Salinas; Rodríguez; Larrubia, Dotor, Lorenzo, Chupe; Jauregui. Coach: Funes.

ESPANYOL (4-2-3-1): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Nunez, Cabrera, Hinojo; Exposito, Gonzalez; Calatrava, J. Hernandez, Zaragoza; R. Fernandez. Coach: Gonzalez.