Malaga and Deportivo La Coruna both return to La Liga after promotion, but both sides are heavily rotated for this early-season clash, making form difficult to read. The hosts lost 2-0 in their opener while Deportivo drew 1-1, but with seven and six regulars missing respectively,…
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Sign inMalaga welcome Deportivo La Coruna on August 24, 2026, in a La Liga encounter between two newly promoted clubs. Both teams are back in the top flight after eight-year absences and will be eager to claim a first victory of the campaign.
Malaga are stretched by injuries and suspension. Striker Aaron Ochoa remains suspended after his red card in the promotion play-off final, while defenders Fernando Calero, Moussa Diarra and Diego Murillo are all sidelined. Adrian Niño is also out, and midfielder Juanpe faces a late fitness test on a hamstring issue. Jose Salinas may debut at left-back, with Chupe leading the line after his 25-goal season in the Segunda.
Deportivo’s main doubt is winger Yeremay, who missed the opening draw with Elche because of a groin strain and has been linked with Hull City. Defender Noe Carrillo is also injured. The rest of Gilsanz’s squad is available, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to start again after featuring in the 1-1 draw against Elche.
Malaga ended an eight-year exile by winning last season’s promotion play-offs, sparking celebrations that drew an estimated 185,000 fans to a parade. Chupe, promoted from the reserves, scored 25 goals across all competitions, while David Larrubia added creativity. Their top-flight return began with a 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid, where they held out until deep in the second half. Manager Juan Francisco Funes will demand a more aggressive start in front of a home crowd.
Deportivo also returned after eight years and began with a 1-1 draw against Elche at the Riazor. Pre-season included a narrow 1-0 loss to Real Madrid, a 1-0 win over Genoa and a 1-1 draw with Fiorentina, suggesting they are ready for the step up. With a fully fit squad aside from the two absentees, Gilsanz has flexibility in midfield and attack.
Chupe's poaching instincts made him the Segunda's standout striker, and he will test Deportivo's centre-back pairing of Noubi and Ede. Deportivo kept Elche at bay for long periods but conceded a second-half equaliser; containing Malaga's main threat for 90 minutes will be vital if they are to leave with a result.
Malaga (4-4-2): Alfonso Herrero; Carlos Puga, Angel Recio, Einar Galilea, Rafita; David Larrubia, Dani Lorenzo, Izan Merino, Joaquin Munoz; Chupete, Carlos Dotor.
Deportivo La Coruna (4-2-3-1): Leo Roman; Ximi Navarro, Noubi, Ede, Quagliata; Mario Soriano, Amatucci; Adria Altimira, Nsongo, Asp Jensen; Aubameyang.
Both promoted sides know how precious points are in their first top-flight seasons. Malaga will look to harness home energy after a difficult opening trip, while Deportivo aim to build on a positive draw against another promoted rival.
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