The last time Málaga defeated Real Madrid was a rare moment in their history. This time, a resilient Real Madrid side, seeking to maintain their winning momentum under José Mourinho, returns to action at the Santiago Bernabéu to face a Málaga side searching for their first win of the campaign.
It's La Liga matchday three action on Sunday, August 30, as Málaga travels to Madrid to face a Real Madrid side that has won both of their opening matches. The Málaga bench will be aiming to refocus their team after an opening-day defeat and a home draw.
Team Form
Real Madrid: Off to a flying start after winning both opening matches of the 2026-27 season under José Mourinho.
Málaga: Yet to taste victory in their opening two matches of the LaLiga campaign, with a loss and a draw.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
Real Madrid ran out 2-1 winners the last time these two clubs met.
A five-goal haul against Real Sociedad, capped by a Mbappé hat-trick, had Los Blancos levitating while Málaga played out a 1-1 draw in their last game.
Málaga return to the Bernabéu for the first time since November 2017 after eight years in the lower divisions.
Across 28 previous meetings, Real Madrid have won 23 to Málaga's solitary victory, with four draws.
Málaga have scored nine goals in their last five matches despite being newly promoted.
What to Expect From Both Teams
Real Madrid | Form: WWWWW
José Mourinho's side enters this clash with immense confidence, looking to preserve a perfect start to their 2026-27 La Liga campaign in front of their home fans.
With a squad featuring top scorers like Kylian Mbappé, who joined the club in 2024, they provide a stern test for any visiting side despite missing several key players through injury.
Having secured a convincing 4-1 victory in their last game, the technical bench is prioritising maintaining their sharp attacking rhythm at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Málaga | Form: DLDLW
Málaga's start to the season has brought frustration rather than points, beginning with a defeat to Atlético Madrid and culminating in a stalemate against Deportivo at home.
Despite their slow start, Málaga boasts a fully available squad with much hinging on 25-year-old Carlos Dotor, a composed, versatile presence capable of operating across midfield or up front.
The history books offer little encouragement, though; a single win over their hosts in 28 meetings tells its own story.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1):
Courtois, Cucurella, Huijsen, Konaté, Dumfries, Valverde, Silva, Vinícius Jr., Bellingham, Güler, Mbappé.
Málaga (4-4-2):
Herrero, Puga, Recio, Galilea, Garrido, Larrubia, Merino, Lorenzo, Muñoz, Dotor, Chupete.
Matchups & Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappé: Riding the high of a hat-trick last time out, the Frenchman remains the focal point of Real Madrid's attack.
Carlos Dotor: Málaga's early-season standout, valued for his game intelligence and ability to slot into multiple roles.
Jude Bellingham: Expected to dictate tempo through midfield against a Málaga side needing to stay compact.
Carlos Puga: The Málaga defender will be tasked with helping contain Real Madrid's dangerous attack at the Bernabéu.
Odds Market on MSport
Real Madrid/Home to win = 1.13
Malaga/Away to win = 22.06
Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 9.40
Over 3.5 total goals = 1.84
This clash sets an in-form, injury-hit Real Madrid against a fully fit Málaga side still chasing their first win — though history heavily favours the hosts.
With Mbappé leading the line, the Santiago Bernabéu looks set for goals and another home statement.