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Malaga's La Liga Return: Tough Opener vs. Atletico
19 Aug
Summary
- Malaga returns to La Liga after an eight-year absence.
- Atletico Madrid's Julián Álvarez will miss the season opener.
- Both teams had undefeated pre-season runs leading up to this match.

Atletico Madrid is set to commence their 2026-27 La Liga season with a home fixture against Malaga. Malaga makes their much-anticipated return to La Liga after an eight-year absence, having competed in lower divisions.
In preparation for the new season, Atletico Madrid concluded their pre-season friendlies with a victory over Marseille. Malaga, conversely, remained unbeaten through their summer matches, facing opponents like Fulham and Leicester City.
Atletico Madrid's manager, Diego Simeone, confirmed that key player Julián Álvarez will be unavailable for the season's opening match due to fitness concerns. The team is otherwise expected to have a near-complete squad at their disposal.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT in the United States and at 9 p.m. local time at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain. Broadcasts will be available through select channels in the US and Spain.