Málaga CF are preparing to host Levante UD this Sunday at La Rosaleda with the aim of securing their first win of the season. The blanquiazul team arrives at the match after suffering a 4-0 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid last weekend, as reported by Sport.es.

How is Málaga approaching the Levante match?

The match for the fourth round of LaLiga EA Sports is scheduled for 6:30 PM on Sunday at Martiricos. It will be Málaga CF's second home game since their return to the First Division. Juanfran Funes's team has only managed one point from the first three matchdays and urgently needs to take all three points against the Valencian side.

La Rosaleda already hosted its season opener on August 24th with a 1-1 draw against Deportivo de La Coruña. In that match, the player known as Chupe equalized from the penalty spot. Now, the home advantage factor is again important for a team that must convert its fans' support into positive results. You can check the team's full schedule on our fixtures page.

What absences does the team have for the match?

The injury situation complicates coach Juanfran Funes's plans. According to the Sport.es report, striker Julen Lobete suffered a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and the medial collateral ligament in his left knee. This injury will require surgery and will likely see him miss the entire 2026-27 season.

Aarón Ochoa will also undergo surgery for a problem in the external meniscus of his right knee. To these absences are added other players in the recovery process. Adrián Niño has begun to gradually reintegrate into training but is not expected to be ready for Sunday. Fernando Calero and Diego Murillo remain outside the working group. The squad's status can be followed in detail in the injuries section.

What happened in the match against Real Madrid?

Málaga CF fell 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu last Sunday, according to coverage from Reuters and Dawn Sport. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 19th minute with an individual play where he beat three defenders before beating goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero. Seven minutes later, an unfortunate own goal by Herrero extended Madrid's lead.

Kylian Mbappé made it three in the 30th minute after a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold. The fourth and final goal came in added time from substitute Arda Güler. Real Madrid coach José Mourinho stated after the match to Real Madrid TV that "football isn't just about having fun with the beauty of the goals, it's also about going home thinking that we're a solid unit."

How does the rival Levante arrive at La Rosaleda?

Levante UD visits Málaga after recovering positive feelings. The team led by Luis Castro has four points from three matchdays, with one win, one draw, and one defeat. Their best moment came in the third round, when they thrashed Real Betis 5-2 at the Ciutat de València.

That result has boosted the confidence of a Levante side that arrives in Málaga with five goals for and five against. The granotas will look to extend their good form at a ground where Málaga CF is especially vulnerable after the initial stumble. The current LaLiga standings can be viewed at standings.

Juanfran Funes has asked his team to maintain the identity that took them to the First Division. The Málaga coach has insisted on the need to be faithful to the club's style, especially after the hard blow received in Madrid. Málaga CF will play their next match away on Saturday, September 12th against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín.