Malaga host Espanyol in Malaga vs Espanyol with the home side still on three points from seven league games and without a win. Malaga are bottom of La Liga on 20 points, with a record of zero wins, three draws and four defeats. Espanyol arrive 15th with seven points, but they have also lost their last two league matches.
Malaga's start and the pressure at home
Juan Francisco Funes has seen a side that has struggled for goals as much as results. Malaga have scored only three times in their opening seven league games of 2026-27, and that sort of return leaves very little room to breathe when the table already looks this bad.
The more basic problem is that possession and territory have not been turning into enough damage at the other end. Three points from seven matches is the sort of start that keeps the margin for error almost non-existent, especially against a team that arrives with one forward in form.
Roberto Fernandez gives Espanyol their edge
Manolo Gonzalez has a clear reference point in Roberto Fernandez, who has scored six times in seven league appearances this season. Sports Mole previewed him as the player who should continue in the final third, and that kind of scoring rate gives Espanyol a threat Malaga do not currently have.
Sports Mole also expect a tight game, with the points potentially being shared in a low-scoring draw. That is a fair read of the fixture. Malaga need a first win, Espanyol need to stop the slide after two defeats, and Malaga vs Espanyol looks like the sort of match that may hinge on the first clean chance.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
