Atletico Madrid - Malaga

Atletico Madrid begin their LaLiga season on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, hosting Malaga at Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The home side's recent form is not detailed, but they will be looking to establish an early advantage in the campaign. Malaga arrive having navigated the LaLiga2 playoffs, securing promotion with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Almeria, including a crucial 2-1 away win on 20 June 2026 in the second leg.

History between these two sides in LaLiga has largely favoured Atletico Madrid. Their last encounter in the competition on 10 February 2018 saw Atletico Madrid win 1-0. Malaga will be without the injured Carlos Dotor and Diego Murillo as they face a stern test to start their league campaign against a familiar opponent.