Málaga CF returns to the Santiago Bernabéu this Sunday at 5:00 PM with five players who share a past with Real Madrid. This match on the third matchday of LaLiga EA Sports marks the first meeting between the two sides in eight years, as reported by Sport.es.
Juanfran Funes's squad arrives in the capital with an intriguing detail in their roster. Alfonso Herrero, Carlos Dotor, Dani Lorenzo, Brahim Díaz, and Dean Huijsen have all spent time at both clubs. For all of them, this will be the first time they face each other in Spain's top flight as professionals.
Who are the five players with shared history?
Alfonso Herrero is the captain of Málaga CF and has the longest connection to the white club. The Málaga CF goalkeeper spent thirteen seasons in Real Madrid's youth system, from 2003 to 2016. During that time, he was called up for Spain's under-16, under-17, and under-19 national teams. He even trained with the first team under Zinedine Zidane, sharing sessions with goalkeepers like Iker Casillas and Keylor Navas. Although he never made his official debut for Real Madrid's senior side, that experience shaped his career. After leaving the club, he played for Oviedo, Marbella, Burgos, and Mirandés before joining Málaga, where he has been instrumental in two promotions.
Carlos Dotor is another key name. The midfielder was considered one of the top prospects from La Fábrica. He won the UEFA Youth League and captained Real Madrid Castilla under the guidance of Raúl González. With the reserve team, he scored 26 goals in 89 matches. His performances led Celta Vigo to pay 3 million euros for 50% of his rights. After loan spells at Oviedo and Sporting Gijón, Málaga CF fought to extend his loan for the current campaign. His contribution has been vital in the Andalusian team's promotion.
Which other players have this link?
Dani Lorenzo, an attacking midfielder from Marbella, spent four years in Madrid's academy from the age of fourteen. During his time at Valdebebas, he coincided and shared an apartment with Álvaro Carreras and Raúl Asencio. On Real Madrid's side, two current players also have Málaga CF roots. Brahim Díaz, currently a player for the white club, was developed in Málaga CF's academy before making the move to Manchester City. Dean Huijsen, also in the Madrid squad, was raised in Marbella and was a captain in Málaga's youth teams. Juventus paid around 200,000 euros to sign him from the Andalusian club.
What does this match mean for Málaga CF?
This fixture represents a return to an iconic stadium after almost a decade. For Málaga CF, beyond the result, it's a chance to measure themselves against one of the giants with a squad full of personal stories. The team faces this challenge before returning to La Rosaleda to host Athletic Club on November 29th, a match already listed on our fixtures page. The squad managed by Juanfran Funes will look to leverage the experience of their players with a Madrid past. The duel will also serve to gauge the team's level in one of the season's toughest tests. Fans can follow the team's progress and check detailed data on our stats page.
Sunday's match is not just another league game. It's a reunion loaded with symbolism for five footballers who once wore white and will now defend the blue and white colours on the same turf. Málaga CF approaches the matchday in their current league position, with the aim of consolidating their place in the top flight.
