Málaga return to La Rosaleda with Espanyol in town

Málaga, coached by Funes, are back in action on October 9 when they host Espanyol at La Rosaleda—a crucial moment after a winless start to their return to the top flight: they have not won in their first seven LaLiga matches. After the setback against Getafe, the international break has allowed the squad to regroup and prepare a two-game run at home.

First comes Espanyol and then Real Sociedad, with the Basque side also juggling European competition between both fixtures. In the build-up, Málaga played two friendlies: they thrashed Antequera 0-6 and lost 3-2 to Córdoba.

The club is looking to translate that work into points with a clear message from Larrubia: “Sabemos que tenemos dos partidos en casa y queremos hacer los máximos puntos posibles. Queremos empezar a hacer de La Rosaleda un fortín”. Calero, Juan Cruz and Aznou are available, while Cajuste is the main doubt for the opener.

The atmosphere is backed by the figures: La Rosaleda sits at 96.2% occupancy, the second-highest across LaLiga, behind the Sardinero’s 98.08%.