Real Madrid hosts Málaga in La Liga third round

Real Madrid prepares to host newly-promoted Málaga CF at the Santiago Bernabéu for the third round of La Liga. Under the management of José Mourinho, Real Madrid has secured a perfect start to the 2026/2027 season with victories over Espanyol and Real Sociedad. Kylian Mbappé enters the match following a hat-trick in the previous fixture.

Despite their strong form, Real Madrid faces significant injury challenges. Seven players are currently sidelined or training individually, including Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Raul Asensio, Thiago Pitarch, and Endrick. Mourinho has indicated that Marc Cucurella may start to provide depth in the absence of other options.

Málaga, led by Juan Funes, is struggling to adapt to the top flight after nine seasons away. They currently hold one point from two matches, following a draw against Deportivo La Coruña and a loss to Atlético Madrid. The match marks the first time these two sides have met in a national league competition since the 2017/2018 season.