Málaga struggle in Primera return: three draws, one goal so far

Málaga haven’t hit the ground running in their Primera return: they’ve managed three points after seven matchdays before the international break, with draws against Dépor, Levante and Celta. MARCA points to a mix of poor attacking output and a lack of top-flight experience as the main issues.

Coach Juanfran Funes is leaning on the academy—16 of his first-team players are youngsters—but the schedule hasn’t helped. In 2026-27, Málaga have already had to face up to five of the eight Spanish clubs competing in continental tournaments.

Despite that, they’ve competed well in most games, especially outside the Champions-level clashes versus Atlético, Real Madrid and Villarreal. Still, the numbers are worrying: Málaga are third in Europe’s big leagues for lowest goals per match, at 0.43, and they’re bottom of LaLiga in that stat.

Their goalkeeper, Alfonso Herrero from Toledo, has kept them in games with key saves—such as in Balaídos, where they defended a 0-1 lead to earn a point. The article also highlights the forward Chupete: after 26 goals in Segunda, he’s only got one in Primera and missed a penalty vs Levante.