UD Almería misses promotion, stays in Segunda as Málaga moves up

UD Almería failed to win the promotion playoff final against Málaga CF, losing 2‑1 after a goalless first leg. The defeat means the club will compete in LaLiga Hypermotion for a third consecutive season. A study by the Almería Chamber of Commerce estimated that the missed promotion cost the province €70.9 million, about 0.33 % of its GDP, while the club itself posted €47 million in losses for the 2024‑25 and 2025‑26 periods. The failure also lowered the market value of striker Sergio Arribas; Espanyol’s sporting director Monchi sees the club’s staying in the second tier as a chance to negotiate a €20‑25 million transfer fee. Following the loss, the squad went on holiday with “collective suspension” remarks from the club. The playoff outcome reshaped the composition of the 2026‑27 Segunda División, with Almería listed among the 22 teams, and it appeared in several clubs’ rival‑team announcements (Mallorca, Cádiz, Tenerife, Celta Fortuna). Meanwhile, Málaga celebrated its return to LaLiga after an eight‑year absence, securing promotion with a 2‑1 victory in the decisive match.