Atletico Madrid Start New La Liga Marketing campaign In opposition to Promoted Malaga – Softfootball

Atlético Madrid start their 2026/27 marketing campaign at house in opposition to newly promoted Málaga, with Diego Simeone’s aspect aiming to make a powerful begin after an inconsistent pre-season.

Atlético completed fourth in La Liga final season, 25 factors behind champions Barcelona, and will likely be decided to shut that hole this time period. They’ve strengthened with Alejandro Grimaldo, Lee Kang-in, Morten Hjulmand and Cristian Romero, though Romero is not going to be out there for this encounter.

Málaga return to the highest flight for the primary time since 2017/18 after profitable promotion via the Segunda Division playoffs. Their pre-season produced one win, three attracts and one defeat, together with a 2-2 draw with Fulham.

Softfootball believes Atlético’s expertise and residential benefit ought to show decisive, though Málaga might make the competition uncomfortable.

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Alexander Sørloth faces a late health take a look at, whereas Julián Álvarez might return after lacking the Marseille pleasant amid switch hypothesis. New arrivals Grimaldo and Kang-in might make their debuts, whereas Romero is unavailable.

Málaga will likely be with out Aaron Ochoa via suspension, whereas Carlos Dotor, Fernando Calero, Diego Murillo and Adrián Niño are injured. Juanpe can be a doubt.

Potential Lineups

Atlético Madrid: Oblak; Pubill, Le Normand, Hancko; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Grimaldo; Kang-in; Lookman, Ortiz.

Málaga: Herrero; Puga, Recio, Galilea, Salinas; Larrubia, Rodríguez, Merino, Lorenzo, Muñoz; Chupe.

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Atlético have additionally been energetic out there, with Aston Villa agreeing a €20 million take care of Atlético Madrid for Matteo Ruggeri.

Prediction

Atlético ought to management possession and create sufficient possibilities to safe a slim opening-day victory.

Prediction: Atlético Madrid 1-0 Málaga