Atletico Madrid vs Malaga Preview – prediction, team news, lineups | LaLiga 2026-27

Los Colchoneros are on a five-match winning run against Los Boquerones!

Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid are all set to be in action for their opening game of the LaLiga 2026-27 season. In matchweek 1, they will lock horns with Málaga CF at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Los Colchoneros will be at home for their first game of the new season and it will be a big advantage for them. They are coming in after an underwhelming pre-season run. Out of four, Atletico Madrid only managed to secure a win in two matches.

The Diego Simeone-led side are likely to miss out on important players as they are yet to return from the post-World Cup break. They have signed new stars to strengthen the squad for the upcoming season and it will be interesting to see how things will work for them.

Juan Francisco Funes’s men have put in decent performances during their recent pre-season run. They are looking ready to make their comeback in the Spanish top division and the opening game is not going to be an easy task for them. Being away from home might be one of the disadvantages for them, but their recent efforts in the club friendlies have shown a real fight in them.

Malaga CF are making their return to LaLiga and it will be interesting to see their performances going forward.

Kick-off:

• Location: Madrid, Spain
• Stadium: Riyadh Air Metropolitano
• Date: Thursday, August 20
• Kick-off time: 12:30 am IST (Wednesday, August 19; 07:00 pm GMT, 02:30 pm ET, 11:30 am PT)
• Referee: Not decided
• VAR: In Use

Players to Watch

Ademola Lookman (Atlético Madrid)

The 28-year-old Nigerian forward will have a crucial role to play in the final third for Atletico de Madrid. In the last pre-season game against Marseille, Ademola Lookman came up with a sensational assist and helped his side score an equaliser. He is also capable of scoring goals and will be eager to come up with a top performance here.

Chupe (Malaga)

Chupe came up with a strong performance during the final club friendly contest ahead of the new season against Fulham. He was one of the goal scorers for Malaga CF and will be ready for a tough challenge against Atletico Madrid’s defence. The 21-year-old Spanish striker can be a constant threat to the hosts.

Match Facts

• Atletico Madrid have secured two wins in their last four matches.
• Malaga CF are undefeated in 13 matches ahead of their LaLiga return.
• Neither of the last six matches between these have ended in a draw.

Betting Odds & Tips

• Atletico Madrid to win @3/10 William Hill
• Ademola Lookman to score @17/10 Virgin Bet
• Goals under 3.5 @17/40 Betway

Injury and Team News

Alexander Sorloth is not going to be in action for Atletico Madrid due to a muscle injury. New signings Cristian Romero and Morten Hjulmand are not yet confirmed to be part of the squad.

For Malaga CF, Adrian Nino, Diego Murillo, Fernando Calero and Carlos Dotor are not going to be in action. They are injured. Aaron Ochoa is suspended.

Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 71

Atletico Madrid (wins): 40

Malaga (wins): 12

Draws: 19

Predicted Lineups

Atletico Madrid predicted XI (5-3-2)

Oblak (GK); Llorente, Pubill, Le Normand, Hancko, Grimaldo; Cardoso, Koke, Barrios; Lee, Lookman

Malaga predicted XI (4-3-3)

Herrero (GK); Puga, Recio, Galilea, Salinas; Lorenzo, Merino, Rodriguez; Larrubia, Chupe, Munoz

Match Prediction

Being at home and having a better squad quality is going to be a big advantage for Los Colchoneros. Los Boquerones will be coming in with high confidence due their last few performances.

Atletico Madrid are likely to come out on top and secure a win against Malaga CF.

Prediction: Atleti 2-1 Malaga

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

UK: Disney+, Premier Sports

Spain: Movistar, DAZN and Teledeporte

USA: ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes

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