# Málaga CF La Liga debut challenges

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mlaga-cf-la-liga-debut-challenges
> Updated: 2026-08-28T15:58:56.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Málaga CF head coach Juanfran Funes has addressed the challenges facing the club during its debut season in La Liga. Early in the period, Funes emphasized the necessity of acquiring experienced defensive reinforcements to bolster a back line weakened by injuries to players such as Murillo, Pastor, and Galilea. He identified potential targets like Carlos Domínguez and Salinas to help the team compete in a demanding opening schedule.

As the season progressed toward a fixture against Real Madrid, the club continued to face significant personnel shortages. Funes confirmed that several players, including Aaron Ochoa, Niño, Calero, Moussa, and Murillo, remained unavailable due to ongoing injury recovery. Regarding the upcoming match at the Santiago Bernabéu, Funes warned his squad against a defensive mindset aimed at securing a draw, stating, “If we go with the thought of drawing, we will probably concede eight goals.”

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Malaga CF coach prepares squad for Real Madrid trip

Malaga CF coach Juan Francisco Funes warns his team against playing for a draw against Real Madrid, while confirming that no injured players will be available for the upcoming match.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malaga-cf-coach-prepares-squad-for-real-madrid-trip

### 2026-08-03: Málaga CF coach Juanfran Funes warns of high demands in La Liga debut

Málaga CF coach Juanfran Funes says enthusiasm isn’t enough for La Liga; the team needs veteran defenders amid injuries and a tough opening schedule.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mlaga-cf-coach-juanfran-funes-warns-of-high-demands-in-la-liga-debut

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Cite as: Málaga CF La Liga debut challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mlaga-cf-la-liga-debut-challenges