This season could not have started any better for Real Madrid, seeking to maintain their perfect record when Málaga visit the Bernabéu on Sunday afternoon. José Mourinho's team have very entertaining so far, with more of the same expected, so here is what you need to know ahead of this La Liga match.
Real Madrid vs Málaga match info
- Date: Sunday 30 August 2026.
- Kick off times: 5pm (local) and 11am (ET)
- Competition: La Liga matchday 3
- Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
- How to watch: ESPN+ (USA), Movistar+ (Spain) and Premier Sports (UK).
How can I watch Real Madrid vs Málaga?
Country | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
United States | ESPN+ |
Spain | Movistar+ |
UK & Ireland | Premier Sports 1 |
Canada | TSN Premium |
Australia, New Zealand and Arab world | beIN Sports Connect |
Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan & Portugal | DAZN |
Africa | SuperSport |
Real Madrid vs Málaga match preview
Can Real Madrid continue their perfect start to the season? Last weekend, in José Mourinho's first game back in charge, los Blancos required a last gasp winner from substitute Carlos Espí to snatch victory against Espanyol at RCDE Stadium.
Then, on Wednesday night, los Merengues looked much better, demolishing Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappé bagged a hat-trick, his sixth for the club in just over two seasons, while Vinícius Júnior was also on target during a dominant victory.
The early signs are that we are in for an all-timer of a title race in Spain this season. Barcelona have also won both of their matches so, even after only two games, it feels like the big two are putting pressure on the other the keep pace. So, will Real Madrid claim another emphatic victory here?
As for Málaga, they are back in La Liga for the first time since 2018, having been down in the third-tier just three seasons ago. As recently as 2013, los Albicelestes were Champions League quarter-finals, but have since plummeted down the Spanish pyramid, after Qatari owner Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, turns out, did not have as much money as was first thought.
Now though, following wins over Las Palmas and Almería in June's Segunda División play-offs, los Blanquiazules are back, so can they stay in La Liga? In their season opener, Juan Francisco Funes' side were easily beaten 2-0 by Atlético Madrid, rarely threatening the Atleti goal.
However, on Monday night, Málaga did get off the mark, holding fellow newly-promoted club Deportivo La Coruña to a 1-1 draw at La Rosaleda; Chupete converting a spot-kick. Nevertheless, put succinctly, it would be a major surprise if Málaga were able to pick up a result at the Bernabéu.
Real Madrid team news
José Mourinho remains without Éder Militão, Raúl Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Thiago Pitarch, Rodrygo and Endrick due to injury. He has revealed that the plan is for Tchouaméni to be the starting defensive midfielder but, for now, Fede Valverde's partner will remain Bernardo Silva.
Mourinho has actually named identical starting lineups against both Espanyol and Real Sociedad, so will he make any changes this time? Marc Cucurella will displace Álvaro Carreras as the first-choice left-back very soon, with Denzel Dumfries chosen over Trent Alexander-Arnold on the other side.
Meantime, in attack, Arda Güler has been excellent in both matches to date but, having arrived for €140 million, Yan Diomandé will be the starter soon rather than later.
Málaga team news
Juan Francisco Funes similary made just one change for Monday's draw with Depor, David Larrubia replaced by Juan Cruz on the right-wing, so also has a settled starting lineup. Goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero has made four saves in both games so far, set to increase that average at the Bernabéu.
Predicted Line-ups
- Real Madrid predicted lineup: Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Silva, Bellingham; Diomandé, Vinícius, Mbappé.
- Málaga predicted lineup: Herrero; Puga, Recio, Galilea, Garrido; Merino, Dotor, Lorenzo, Cruz, Muñoz; Chupete.
- Score prediction: Real Madrid 4-0 Málaga.
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