Málaga CF head into the international break in the worst possible position. Juanfran Funes's side is the only team in La Liga yet to record a win after the first seven matchdays, sitting bottom of the table with just three points.
The 1-0 defeat away to Getafe on September 20 sealed this difficult start to the campaign. That result left Málaga in 20th place, with a record of zero wins, three draws, and three losses. The team has conceded eleven goals while scoring only three, giving them a -8 goal difference. Valencia, with one more point, sit just above them in 19th, setting up a direct relegation battle from the off.
Manager Juanfran Funes has tried to highlight positives from recent performances. "Al igual que en Getafe, sus pupilos han podido plantarle cara a otros dos rivales," the coach said, referencing the draws against Celta Vigo and Levante where the team competed well. A lack of cutting edge in both boxes remains the primary issue, however. Over the last five matches, the team has suffered two consecutive losses and a form line of zero wins, two draws, and three defeats.
The bottom of the table is incredibly tight. Elche, with five points, and Levante, on the same tally but with a game in hand, are also in the relegation mix. Málaga must quickly find a way to turn performances into points. The league resumes with a key home fixture against Espanyol, who currently sit 12th. The immediate objective is clear: end the winless run and climb out of the basement after the break.
Background and full detail: Sport.es
