Atletico Madrid will begin their 2026-27 La Liga campaign against Malaga on Wednesday night.
Diego Simeone‘s side finished fourth in La Liga last term, so there is plenty of room for improvement in 2026-27, while Malaga secured a return to the top flight through last season’s Segunda Division playoffs.
Atletico were unable to challenge for last season’s La Liga title, finishing down in fourth spot in the division, some 25 points off the champions Barcelona.
It will be difficult for Simeone’s side to challenge for the championship in 2026-27 given the strength of Barcelona and Real Madrid, but the Red and Whites have plenty of room for improvement, having been beaten on 11 occasions in Spain’s top flight last term.
Atletico have made four signings this summer, boosting their squad with the arrivals of Alejandro Grimaldo, Lee Kang-in, Morten Hjulmand and Cristian Romero.
The Red and Whites played four times in pre-season, beating Getafe and Marseille either side of defeats to Premier League duo Manchester United and Manchester City.
Atletico have won 40 of their previous 71 matches against Malaga in all competitions, including each of the last five, only suffering 12 defeats in the process.
Malaga’s last victory over Atletico was a 1-0 success on home soil in December 2015, while they have not managed to beat the Red and Whites away from home since May 2011.
Malaga are capable of making this a tricky match for Atletico, and we are not expecting many goals, but Simeone’s side should be able to navigate their way to all three points.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
