Málaga CF faces a crucial Sunday with a visit to the Santiago Bernabéu to play Real Madrid, while the club's sporting management seeks to finalize signings before the transfer window closes. According to Sport.es, the blanquiazul squad travelled by high-speed train to the capital on Saturday for the match on the third matchday of LaLiga EA Sports, kicking off at 5:00 PM. The team's next fixture is at home against Athletic Club on November 29th, according to the club's verified data.
How is Málaga preparing for the Bernabéu?
The Málaga CF squad is already in Madrid focused on the match. Mundo Deportivo reports that the team is looking to break a historical poor streak at the Madrid stadium, where in 16 league visits they have never won, recording 13 defeats and three draws. Manager Juanfran Funes made his approach clear to Marca newspaper: "We will not change our style at the Bernabéu, if we go out to draw they could still put eight past us".
The context is tough, as Real Madrid arrives with a perfect record and a Kylian Mbappé in great form. However, Málaga travels with the hope of competing at an iconic venue after eight years out of the top flight. The squad list for this match, published by La Opinión de Málaga, includes players like A. Herrero, Dotor, Chupe, Recio, and Lobete.
What memories does the Mourinho-Málaga duel bring?
The visit to the Bernabéu revives old controversies from José Mourinho's time at Real Madrid. Marca recalls that Iker Casillas's first benching under the Portuguese manager was precisely in a match against Málaga in the 2012-13 season. That match, which Madrid lost 3-2, remains a recurring moment on social media.
The outlet also points to another notable clash, when Mourinho, in his first year in charge of Madrid, said: "If Real Madrid sacks me, I am not going to coach Málaga". Those statements, aimed at Manuel Pellegrini at the time, still sting in the capital of the Costa del Sol. They are anecdotes that add extra spice to a classic of Spanish football.
What is the state of the transfer market?
While the team plays in Madrid, the board is working against the clock. Sport.es reports that sporting director Loren Juarros is keeping the phone lines open with the market set to close on Tuesday, September 1st. The club needs to reinforce central midfield and left-back, and is considering signing a winger due to the injury to Aarón Ochoa, who will undergo surgery on Monday.
Two names linked to cover those needs are central midfielder Jens Cajuste and full-back Adam Aznou, according to the same outlet. The departure of Dani Sánchez has created a vacancy the manager has temporarily filled with Rafita and José Salinas. The full state of the squad can be tracked in detail on our squad page.
What does this match mean for the season?
Facing Real Madrid at the Bernabéu is a baptism of fire for the newly promoted Málaga CF. A positive result, or even a good performance, could provide a huge morale boost for the weeks ahead. The team is still looking for its first win in this return to the top flight, after losing to Atlético and drawing with Deportivo.
After the match in Madrid, the focus will return to La Rosaleda and preparation for the upcoming challenges. Fans can check the full schedule and current standings in our fixtures and standings sections. Every point earned in this initial phase will be valuable for solidifying the project among the elite.
