Atl. Madrid
MalagaAtl. Madrid begin their LaLiga campaign against Malaga at the Metropolitano Stadium, with the visitors arriving on the back of an encouraging closing run in LaLiga2. The hosts were less consistent towards the end of their own league schedule, although several established names were among their stronger recent performers. Availability could also influence the opening-round contest, with both sides carrying notable absences.
Malaga arrive on the stronger recent run
Malaga finished their recent LaLiga2 sequence with four wins and a draw from their last five matches, including a 2-0 victory away to Zaragoza and a 4-1 win at Ceuta. Atl. Madrid's final five LaLiga results were more uneven: victories over Girona, Osasuna and Valencia were mixed with defeats against Villarreal and Celta Vigo. Antoine Griezmann and Koke have been among the hosts' stronger recent performers, while Malaga have also had encouraging contributions from Joaquin Munoz and Chupe.
Absences affect both sides
Atl. Madrid will be without Alexander Sorloth because of a muscle injury. Malaga have a longer named absence list, with Carlos Dotor sidelined by a knee injury, Juanpe out with a muscle problem, and Diego Murillo and Adrian Nino also unavailable through injury. Murillo and Nino had both been among Malaga's stronger recent performers, making their absence particularly relevant to the visitors' preparation.
Previous meetings favour Atl. Madrid
The previous meetings lean strongly towards Atl. Madrid, who won seven of the last ten encounters between the clubs while Malaga recorded one victory. Atl. Madrid also won each of the three most recent meetings without conceding, following 1-0, 1-0 and 2-0 victories. That history gives the hosts a favourable backdrop, although Malaga's recent run provides a different context for this new-season meeting.
Viewing options for Atl. Madrid vs Malaga
In Spain, Movistar Plus+ and M+ LaLiga carry the match. UK coverage is available through Premier Sports 1 and Premier Sports Player, while viewers in the USA can find it through ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, SportsEngine Play and fubo Sports Network. Digi Sport 3, Prima Sport 4 and Prima TV carry coverage in Romania. DAZN / App is available in Portugal, DAZN 1 and DAZN Italia in Italy, and Ziggo Sport 5 in the Netherlands. Other broadcasters include Disney+ in Denmark and Sweden, Laola1 in Germany and Austria, and beIN Sports 3 in Australia.