The historic feud between José Mourinho and Málaga CF is back in the spotlight ahead of the upcoming clash at the Santiago Bernabéu. According to a report by Marca - Primera, the relationship between the Portuguese coach and the Andalusian club has been marked by controversial episodes for over a decade.
What happened with Iker Casillas at La Rosaleda?
One of the most remembered moments occurred in the 2012-2013 season. José Mourinho, then manager of Real Madrid, decided to bench Iker Casillas for a match against Málaga CF at La Rosaleda. Real Madrid lost that game 3-2. Mourinho presented the decision as a technical one in a press conference, but over time it became clear there was more to that change. The live reaction of president Florentino Pérez, captured by Movistar cameras with Mónica Marchante, became an icon. Nearly fourteen years later, that clip remains popular on social media.
At that time, the Málaga CF coach was Jesualdo Ferreira. Ferreira reportedly called Mourinho a 'donkey' in statements made in Portugal, and as a consequence of a journalistic report, he banned MARCA from the Málaga CF stadium for several matchdays.
What did Mourinho say about Málaga CF?
The friction was not limited to that match. In his first year at Real Madrid, the daily press conferences constantly compared his team to the one managed by Manuel Pellegrini the previous season. Mourinho made a remark about the Chilean in which Málaga CF was indirectly involved. Years later, the Portuguese was more direct. "Bastaba con pasar la primera eliminatoria de Copa... Si el Real Madrid me echa, yo no voy a entrenar al Málaga." Mourinho stated on one occasion.
He later reiterated his stance. "Nunca entrenaría al Málaga, como nunca entrenaría a muchos clubes. Soy libre de decidir dónde quiero trabajar," he said. The manager clarified he had nothing against the club or the city, but was simply exercising his freedom of choice.
What does this mean for the upcoming match?
These memories emerge ahead of a new fixture in LALIGA EA Sports. Málaga CF's coach, Funes, has already given his thoughts on the difficult match awaiting them at the Bernabéu. For the Andalusian team, the immediate focus is on preparation and leaving old stories behind. Málaga CF's next official fixture is at home against Athletic Club on November 29, 2026. Fans can follow the full schedule on our fixtures page and check the current squad to see how the team is preparing for these challenges.
Beyond the historical anecdote, the club looks to the future. The squad is working with the season and its objectives in mind. The team's performance can be tracked through our stats page, which offers updated data from the campaign. The match at the Bernabéu will be another test in a demanding calendar.
