The players who started in #LasPalmasMálaga carried out recovery work on the pitch, with the exception of Einar, who is dealing with a physical issue that led to his substitution during yesterday’s game. He remained in the gym and did not train, pending further medical tests.

The substitutes and players not included in the squad at the Estadio Gran Canaria, including reserve team players Juani and Arriaza, trained normally under the coach’s orders. Meanwhile, Haitam (who is dealing with muscle discomfort), along with Dorrio, Juanpe, Pastor, and Luismi, worked separately from the group.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, Málaga CF will return to training at La Rosaleda Stadium at 19:00.

Throughout the regular season, the foundation allocated 30% of the revenue generated from section 113 in the Fondo Norte to various social organisations, helping fund projects and programmes aimed at individuals and families most in need.

This project has not only generated a direct economic impact for the participating organisations, but has also provided them with a valuable platform for visibility through social media and matchday exposure, significantly amplifying their social reach.

The initiative began in the 2024/25 season with the aim of channelling fan support towards social organisations in the Málaga area, and has since established itself as a bridge between football and solidarity.

In its first edition, the initiative supported 10 associations: Héroes, Mercader, ALCER, Harena, Inpavi, Asociación Eo,Eo, Fundación Autismo Sur, Palas para Todos, Proyecto Hombre Málaga and Fundación Trébol.

During this season, 21 social organisations benefited from the project: Afesol, Nena Paine, DYAR, Edukatea, CEAR, AFENES, ASSAMA, AVOI, ADIMI, Alas, Bisturí Solidario, Aspaym, Teléfono de la Esperanza, Betania, Autismo Málaga, Fundación Olivares, Arrabal, Girasoles de Ara, Asalbez, Fundación Alhelí and Fundación Ronald McDonald.

Thanks to Grada Solidaria, Malaguista fans have once again shown that their commitment goes beyond sport, turning every match into an opportunity to create a positive impact on Málaga society and to support organisations that work every day to improve the lives of many people.

“The team competed very well. We know it’s 180 minutes, but the team stayed faithful to the plan and knew how to suffer, even managing to increase the lead.”

Backheel assist

“I was following Chupe’s move, waiting for him to pass it to me, and after the rebound I saw ‘Larru’ behind me. It was the only option, the backheel, so I laid it off to David.”

No speculation

“We don’t speculate, we go out to win, at home or away. We take the positives with us. There are 90 very important minutes left with our fans.”

Everything wide open

“The tie is still open, and in a playoff anything can happen. We don’t think it’s done, instead, we focus on doing what the coach asks of us and trusting the plan.”

Managing the workload

“I spoke with the coach to manage my minutes. I’m feeling better physically, quite fresh, and playing 60 minutes suits me better for recovery.”

Fans

“It’s incredible what we are experiencing. It’s a gift, and we are enjoying it a lot. Let’s get through the tie and make La Rosaleda a fortress. We have to live every match as something unique, go for the win, and not let ourselves be dominated.”

“We knew it was going to be a difficult match. We could have scored more goals, but I’m very happy with the win, the clean sheet, and there is still one game left at home.”

“This team shows personality in every stadium it plays in. It has no limits, and we will keep going in the same direction.”

Opportunities and his goal

“Yes, Las Palmas had more possession, but we had the clearer chances to score.”

“Dani Lorenzo is pure magic. He saw me out of the corner of his eye, and if I had missed it, I’d have been ‘killed’ for it.”

Personal

“After the injury, it was quite difficult for me, but I was clear that the objective was to arrive at this moment in the best possible shape. I hope there are three matches left, and we are ready for whatever comes our way, to ‘leave everything’ on the pitch.”

Ambition

“Given the way we are right now, the team is going to go out to win every remaining match, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. We’re going to win. It would be a mistake to think a draw is enough, and that’s the mentality we’re going to have.”

Fans

“The excitement we’ve created, we’ve earned it on the pitch, and it’s reflected in the fans. A message? Just to say thank you, we know the support they give us in every match, and on Wednesday they won’t let us down. They’ll be there more than ever to help us reach the final.”

“We couldn’t play any other way. They put us under pressure, but we always wanted to go forward. I’m pleased with how the team kept its composure during the match. If we had been more clinical in the final minutes, we could have taken a bigger lead, but I’m very satisfied.”

Personality and passion

“With an opponent like the one we have, it’s right that we focus on good recovery. It will be a demanding match. No one has extra energy at this stage. The substitutions helped us maintain the level in the game, and we’ve reached the end of the season in a good moment. In a setting like this, the team showed personality, joy, and passion. We enjoyed the match.”

Ochoa and Joaquín

“We needed to avoid suffering too much physical wear during the match. We’re talking about both quantity and quality. The fact that Joaquín only played 45 minutes today gives him a better chance of being ready for Wednesday. We felt that, with his directness, he could do damage in the second half. We have to keep going, there’s still a long way to go.”

The advantage

“We take a one-goal advantage with us, which is very important, but even more important is that everyone finished the match in good condition. Everyone is doing very well, and that is very satisfying because it continues in just a few days. Finishing with that freshness is a very positive sign.”

Fans

“Impressive. We are running out of words of praise, and I say this with genuine emotion and sincerity. We felt escorted from La Rosaleda. What happened at the airport was absolutely incredible. For some of us, myself included, these are new sensations. It’s unbelievable. Thank you to everyone who came, your support is fundamental.”

Return leg

“Yes, we would like a match like today’s to be repeated, with box situations and space to run into, where we could have closed the game. Las Palmas will probably take more risks now. They may even play with two strikers and change things, so we will have to be alert to what they do. They are a very well-coached team, and if they are here, it is for a reason.”

Caution and confidence
“In football, anything can happen. Anyone who tries to predict it is likely to be wrong. We’ve seen so many things in football that we must be very clear that there is still a long way to go. With caution and confidence, we need to stay focused and concentrate on what remains, which is no small task.”

Wednesday…and nothing more

“I’ve seen a team win a Champions League in a single minute. We have to give everything and more against a very tough opponent, and if we don’t bring out our best, we won’t get through the tie. Everything you did before counts for nothing. The beauty of football is that it is an unpredictable sport, and we have to be able to make good decisions. We could have taken advantage and scored a few more goals. But the most important thing we can focus on, and burn into our minds, is beating Las Palmas on Wednesday. Doing calculations gets us nowhere. We must put all our focus on that.”

Privileged

“We are privileged. It’s very beautiful when so many people are fighting for something, and being able to experience it so closely is exciting and unforgettable. As I said before, we had to give something from within and make sure that what we did on the pitch would make the fans feel excited again. With courage, joy, energy… And we were able to do it; we’ve seen that in recent days. We are many together, and we are very strong.”

On the pitch, Funes named the following starting lineup: Alfonso Herrero; C. Puga, Murillo, Einar, Rafita; Dotor, Izan M., Dani Lorenzo; Aaron Ochoa, D. Larrubia, and Chupe.

The first half was fiercely contested, with both sides looking to dominate possession. Málaga CF created several chances during the opening 45 minutes and came close to taking the lead on multiple occasions.

In minute 7, Chupe tried his luck from the edge of the box, forcing the home goalkeeper to push the ball out for a corner. From the resulting set piece, the number 9 rose highest in the area but headed Aaron Ochoa’s delivery just wide of the target.

Einar thought he had opened the scoring with an acrobatic finish in the 13^th minute following a wide free-kick, but the referee disallowed the goal for an attacking foul. Later, in minute 27, Larrubia headed over the bar from a cross delivered by Chupe. In the 40^th minute, Einar was forced off through injury and was replaced by Javi Montero.

Just before half-time, in the 44^th minute, Dotor went down in the penalty area after being challenged from behind, but the referee waved play on. The teams went into the break level at 0-0.

After the break, Joaquín replaced Aaron Ochoa on the left side of Málaga’s attack. The same number 11 produced a brilliant individual move that nearly resulted in the opening goal in the 56^th minute.

Just a minute later, in the 57^th, Málaga CF finally broke the deadlock. Chupe drove into the box and attempted a left-footed shot, but didn’t strike it cleanly, and the ball fell to Dani Lorenzo. The number 22 then flicked it with a backheel, setting up Larrubia for a clear strike. Larrubia deceived the goalkeeper and made it 0-1.

Rafa came on in place of ‘assistant’ Dani Lorenzo in the 64^th minute to strengthen the midfield. In the final stages (minute 82), Chupe and Dotor were replaced by Niño and Darko. The Serbian midfielder, right at the edge of the 90^th minute, had a chance to make it 0-2 in a one-on-one, but the home goalkeeper Horkas denied him.

The 0-1 final result gives Málaga CF an advantage heading into the second leg of the promotion playoff semifinal for a place in the elite, taking place on Wednesday at 21:00 at La Rosaleda.

Vamos, Málaga!

Compared to the previous league squad selection for Zaragoza, there is just one change: Haitam is unavailable for the playoff opener due to muscle discomfort.

The team travels to the Canary Islands this afternoon, where they will stay overnight ahead of tomorrow’s match at the Estadio Gran Canaria against UD Las Palmas, kicking off at 21:00 (mainland Spain time).

Players in common UD Las Palmas-Málaga CF

Oti, Axier, Sandro, Agostinho, Schürrer, Gerardo Carrera, Apoño, Roberto Santamaría, Rondón, Peñaranda, Sadiku, Jairo, Sandro Ramírez, Rubén Castro and Cristian

(*) Aarón Escandell, former Atlético Malagueño goalkeeper, played for UD Las Palmas.

Coaches in common UD Las Palmas-Málaga CF

Pepe Mel

Players in common UD Las Palmas-CD Málaga

Cabrera, Elzo, Manolo Torres, Beneyto, Gutiérrez, Romero, Mújica, Ríos, Calixto, Catalá, Juani, Jaime Molina and Onofre

Coaches in common UD Las Palmas-CD Málaga

Juan Otxoa and Marcel Domingo

(*) Antonio Ruiz, CD Málaga player (1963/64), coached UD Las Palmas

Players who debuted with Málaga CF against UD Las Palmas on the island

•    Miguel Ángel (UD Las Palmas 0-0 Málaga CF, 22/09/2001)
•    ‘Chori’ Castro (UD Las Palmas 1-1 Málaga CF, 10/01/2016)
•    Success (UD Las Palmas 1-0 Málaga CF, 05/02/2018)
•    Ideye (UD Las Palmas 1-0 Málaga CF, 05/02/2018)
•    Álex Calvo (UD Las Palmas 2-2 Málaga CF, 11/03/2023)

Match info

• This is the second promotion playoff for Málaga to the First Division under its current format and as MCF. The only previous occasion dates back to the 2018/19 season, when they were eliminated in the semi-finals by RC Deportivo with a 5-2 aggregate score (4-2 in A Coruña and 0-1 in Málaga).

• Alfonso Herrero is the only Málaga CF player who has featured in all league matches (42) and played every minute of the season (3,780). The goalkeeper from Toledo ranked second in total saves (138), only behind UD Almería’s goalkeeper Andrés Fernández (154).

• Chupe was Málaga’s top scorer with 24 goals and the second-highest scorer in LALIGA HYPERMOTION, just one behind the league’s ‘pichichi’, Sergio Arribas (25). Jesé, with 10 goals, was the island team’s top scorer.

• David Larrubia was the best dribbler in LALIGA HYPERMOTION. The number 10 completed 110 successful dribbles, leading this statistic ahead of Córdoba’s Carracedo (94) and Deportivo’s Yeremay (90).

• As the away team in league matches, Málaga CF recorded nine wins, three draws, and nine defeats in 21 games (30 points), scoring 33 goals and conceding 28.

• UD Las Palmas, in 21 home matches, obtained 12 wins, six draws, and three defeats (42 points), scoring 33 goals and conceding 14.

Stats and facts

• This is the first time Málaga CF and UD Las Palmas have faced each other on island territory in a promotion playoff to the First Division.

• In the Second Division, there have been nine historical meetings in Gran Canaria. Málaga have won twice, the most recent (0-1, Rafa) coming this same 2025/26 season, along with four draws and three wins for the Canarian side. In addition, there have been five First Division matches in Las Palmas, resulting in two draws and three defeats for Málaga CF. Under the name Atlético Malagueño, there was also one more encounter in Segunda División B (1993/94 season), which ended in a 2-0 home win for the yellow side.

• CD Málaga played a total of 24 official matches against UD Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. Half of them, 12, were in the top flight, with three wins, two draws, and seven defeats for the Malaguistas. There were also six matches in the Second Division, with one win, two draws, and three defeats for the Blue and Whites. In the Copa de España, they met five times (all in the 1970s), with two Málaga wins and three Canarian victories. Additionally, there was one promotion playoff match to the First Division in the 1950/51 season, which ended in a 4-1 home win.

• The last historical meeting between UD Las Palmas and CD Málaga on island territory dates back to the 1991/92 season. It was a matchday 28 Second Division league match, ending in a 1-2 victory for Málaga, coached by Antonio Montero ‘Nene’. Quino scored both goals for the Blue and Whites.

As happened yesterday, Haitam (muscle discomfort) stayed inside the stadium’s indoor facilities, undergoing specific treatment along with the injured players Dorrio, Juanpe, Luismi, and Pastor.

Atlético Malagueño players Pablo Arriaza and Juani, once again, trained at full intensity with the first team.

This afternoon, the Malaguistas will depart for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Tomorrow, Sunday, at 21:00 (mainland Spain time), Málaga CF will face UD Las Palmas in the first leg of the promotion playoff semi-final to the First Division.

“It’s very nice to be in a situation like this, because it means the team has done things well. These are opportunities that must be taken. It’s very special for the players, the coaching staff, and the city. If we are able to enjoy this process, everything will go well.”

Strong rival 

“They have, probably, more experience than us, that’s the reality. Las Palmas did not build this project to play in the playoffs, but to fight for direct promotion, and they have come close. Given their scale, coming from the First Division, what they have built is meant to already be in the top division. They have 10-12 players who have already been promoted to the elite. That is an advantage, they know the path to get there. Against that, you have to bring enthusiasm, energy, and talent. We have to rely on the quality of our players and what they have been showing to reach this stage. Regardless of the size of the project, we finished on the same points. We must be aware of their experience, that there will be many moments where they will dominate possession. We also have our weapons: talent, energy, and enthusiasm. Experiencing things for the first time is more exciting, and that is what we have.”

Everyone raring to go

“A new competition begins and the format is different, we are not playing for points. It will be very important to manage the players’ condition and energy well, as we have the second leg in three days. Players will not be more or less important based on the quantity of minutes, but on the quality of those minutes. They cannot play two full matches plus extra time, if it happens. We have to see when to use them so they can be decisive. Many players’ contributions will be measured by how they perform in their minutes, not by how many minutes they play.”

Solely focused on Las Palmas

“I don’t know whether it’s a gift or not, but it is a great opportunity to experience a final to achieve promotion to the First Division. The playoffs must be lived as a single tie, not as four matches, and we have to get past this semi-final. There is a very important challenge: Las Palmas are one of the least goals conceded teams, and we need to score. We know our team well and how we have performed so far. We’re not going to speculate in the matches, that is how we have been efficient. We don’t want to think about not scoring and still going through. In the last decade, of the five extra times played, only one ended level at full time. We have to go out to win the matches. Discipline, commitment, enthusiasm, sacrifice and bravery are what have brought us here. There is no need to convince them, they have done it many times, and we have the talent of our players to achieve it.”

Return leg with our fans

“We cannot overlook how we manage energy. Córdoba, Andorra and them took the ball from us, we had a lot of energy that gets spent chasing the ball, and we need to measure that well. Our advantage is the extra energy given by the fans. Playing the second leg at La Rosaleda will be crucial because of the support from the crowd when energy levels drop. It can be important and even decisive. Murillo has had a very good week and will be in the squad as long as nothing goes wrong tomorrow.”

Our people, our greatest asset

“Our greatest asset is our fans, and the players show that week after week, we are grateful for the effort they make. It is very moving that there will be a full house. Maximum commitment, as we have had until now, so that they come and leave happy and proud of their team.”

Another day of work completed for the players coached by Juanfran Funes, who once again included reserve team players Arriaza and Juani.

Separately from the main squad, Haitam, who is dealing with muscle discomfort, trained alongside injured players Dorrio, Juanpe, Luismi, and Pastor, all of whom are continuing their respective recovery processes.

Tomorrow, Saturday, at around 09:45, Málaga CF will hold their final weekly training session at La Rosaleda Stadium.

The contribution of all four players, both on the pitch and in the dressing room, was instrumental to the team’s impressive 2025/26 campaign, which saw Málaga finish second in Group 3 of the Segunda Federación and qualify for the promotion playoffs to the Primera Federación.

Lorena Herrera, a 26-year-old from Málaga who came through the club’s youth system dating back to the Club Atlético Málaga era, departs after a lengthy spell with the club. Her time wearing the Blue and White shirt has been marked by her versatility on the field, consistent performances, and fighting spirit.

Midfielder Nerea Valeriano, a 29-year-old from Manresa, brings her spell with Málaga CFF to an end after joining the club in 2023 and spending the last three seasons with the team. Elena Martínez, a 24-year-old from Madrid, arrived midway through the 2024/25 campaign and, in just a season and a half, established herself as one of the squad’s most prolific goalscorers. The youngest player departing the team is goalkeeper Amor Leigh, 18, from Granada, who shared goalkeeping duties with María Arrabal during the 2025/26 season.

Málaga Club de Fútbol extends its gratitude to all four players and wishes them every success in both their professional and personal lives. Málaga will always be your home.

Another day of training was completed by Juanfran Funes' squad, with reserve-team players Arriaza and Juani once again joining the first team.

Meanwhile, Dorrio, Juanpe, Luismi and Pastor continued to work separately from the main squad as they recover from injury.

Tomorrow, Friday, at around 09:45, Málaga will hold their penultimate training session of the week at La Rosaleda Stadium.

“We're happy, highly motivated, and full of confidence. We're working hard in training and in our day-to-day routines.”

“(Las Palmas) are a very good team, with very talented players and a budget geared toward promotion. We respect them and know we have to be careful, they're a great opponent. We need to be ready for whatever comes.”

“It's a two-legged tie, with emotions running high, and these will be two very different matches from the ones we've experienced before. But we're prepared.”

“We're taking it day by day, giving everything in training, and that's been working for us. We're very excited and eager for this journey to continue. We're focused and demanding the very best from ourselves.”

“These are ties that are decided by the smallest details. Doing what we've done so far has brought us to this point. It's important to get those little details right. Our focus is on training as well as we can, paying close attention to the coach's instructions, and then, in the match, doing what we know how to do.”

“I'm doing well, I'm happy, comfortable, and feeling good on the pitch. I'm really motivated. I'm calm because we're working well, and that's what matters most.”

“We'll go to Las Palmas aiming to win. If we win in Las Palmas, everything will become much easier. They play very good football, but we have to stay calm and know that we'll get our chances. We need to keep pressing high, as we always do, and if there are periods when they have possession, stay composed, work hard for each other, and trust that everything will turn out well.”

“As for the fans, we'd like to thank them for everything they're doing and encourage them to keep it up, because we're not going to stop.”

Adrián Niño

“We’re very motivated. The team is very excited about what lies ahead. I’m very happy with both my personal situation and the team’s. What we’re experiencing is a gift.”

“Every day I cross off dates on the calendar so this match arrives sooner. We hope to give the fans what they expect from us. We know we have a very big responsibility.”

“I’m very excited and eager to keep helping the team as I have been doing so far, with goals, with intensity in whatever minutes the coach decides, and with a lot of enthusiasm.”

“We’ve had a couple of matches against them (Las Palmas) and we’ve come out on top, but we know that in a knockout tie it’s something completely different.”

“It’s nothing new, we’ve experienced it all season. In many places we’ve gone, we’ve felt supported. We know the effort the fans make for Málaga.”

“There’s no opponent we don’t compete against, and that support we have behind us is going to help us.”

“I came to Málaga knowing it was a top-flight club. I knew this could happen, but until you experience it, you can’t imagine how big and special it is.”

David Larrubia

“It’s an excitement, a dream, to be able to take the club I love to where it deserves to be.”

“That playoff (to Second Division) was more demanding because we had to win at all costs and we felt that pressure. I see the team quite calm. We’re very composed. We feel that what’s ahead of us is a gift. With a lot of ambition, we’ve earned it, and it’s something you don’t experience every year.”

“I’m a more important player in the team now, someone who can take on more responsibility, and I’m really looking forward to the playoffs.”

“We can’t ask anything of the fans, only thank them for the effort they’ve made all year. We need them more than ever, and I know they won’t let us down.”

“I’m much better now. The coach knows my foot hardly hurts anymore, and I’m arriving at the playoff in the best possible condition.”

“(Las Palmas) are a team with a lot of experience, who know what playoffs are about, who play very good football, with great players and a lot of veteran presence. We’ll have to be careful with them.”

“We don’t feel pressure because what we have is a gift. We approach it with ambition and desire, and with the aim of repaying the fans for all the suffering they’ve gone through over many years. We’re the first ones who want to get promoted and win all four matches. We’ve earned it over the course of the whole season.”

“We tried to finish third to play the second leg at home. In this round, yes, home advantage is an important factor. If we can’t win, a draw there might be enough. Funes knows how to handle those situations.”

“I’ve told everyone, if I score the goal that gets us promoted… I’ll burst into tears. My family, my girlfriend… they’re even more nervous than I am, but very happy because they see I’m fulfilling the dream I’ve always had.”

“We’re focused on the playoff and achieving the goal in mind. We’ve earned it, so we’re enjoying the present, and on Sunday we have a beautiful match ahead of us.”

Diego Murillo

“We don’t feel any pressure, we’re going to keep playing the same football and let whatever happens, happen.”

“I’m fine, getting treatment every day, but that’s how it is. We’ve earned the position we’re in now, and I’m not going to miss any matches.”

“With Funes (at Malagueño) I’ve always played everything. This season, finally, after so many years of work, I’m seeing the rewards. This year I’ve been able to show my football the way I wanted.”

“Being a starting centre-back in the first team, feeling good, and playing in a playoff for promotion to the First Division. These are all dreams we’re fulfilling.”

“We’re a dressing room that approaches each day the same way, with happiness, as always.”

“There’s no favourite in this playoff. Maximum respect to the rival, on days like these, any team can beat the other. Our team is perfect for these kinds of ties, it always responds and shows up. We’re a good team to be here.”

“As for the fans, it’s a privilege that they always support us, it’s incredible. In the last match against Racing at La Rosaleda, I looked up and it was the dream of any kid who loves football and lives it the way we do.”

“La Rosaleda is the best stadium we can play in. Our fans push like no one else, and for any team it’s a real nightmare to play at La Rosaleda.”

Rafita trained normally within a squad that continues to include Atlético Malagueño players Arriaza and Juani.

Meanwhile, injured players Dorrio, Juanpe, Luismi, and Pastor remain in their respective recovery processes, working separately from the group.

Tomorrow, Thursday, the team will return to training at La Rosaleda Stadium between 09:45 and 10:00.

Juanfran Funes’ team will face UD Las Palmas in one of the two promotion playoff semi-finals, while UD Almería and CD Castellón will contest the other. The winners of each tie, and ultimately the final, will earn promotion to the top division.

Thanks to statistics provided by LALIGA, we take a look at the most notable data and key performance indicators from Málaga CF’s 2025/26 league campaign.

GOALS

Chupe has been the standout name of the season, scoring 24 goals, just one shy of league top scorer Sergio Arribas of UD Almería (25), and finishing second in the ‘Pichichi’ race. The Córdoba-born striker recorded an efficiency rate of almost 50% in front of goal and led Málaga CF in shots, with 51 attempts.

His tally represents historic numbers for Málaga in the Second Division, only surpassed by Catanha’s 26 goals in the 1998/99 season. Meanwhile, Adrián Niño also reached double figures with 11 goals, while David Larrubia added 10.

MINUTES AND SAVES

Once again, Alfonso Herrero’s consistency has made the difference this season. The Toledo-born goalkeeper was the only Malaguista to feature in all 42 matches, playing every minute of the campaign (3,780). He was among a select group of ever-present goalkeepers in LALIGA HYPERMOTION, alongside Cantero, Magunagoitia, Andrés Fernández and former Malaguista Juan Soriano.

Herrero also finished as the second-best goalkeeper in the division for saves, making a total of 138. The category was led by UD Almería’s Andrés Fernández, who recorded 154 saves.

PASSES AND INTERCEPTIONS

Diego Murillo was the Málaga player with the most successful passes, completing 2,140. He is followed by Alfonso Herrero (1,494), Izan Merino (1,378), Dani Lorenzo (1,358) and Montero (1,338), who make up the top five.

The centre-back and academy graduate also led the team in interceptions, with a total of 48. Close behind him was fellow defender Carlos Puga with 43.

ASSISTS

Joaquín Muñoz was another key attacking contributor, scoring five goals and providing six assists that led directly to goals. Top scorer Chupe also added five assists, while Rafa Rodríguez and Dotor share third place on the podium with four assists each.

DRIBBLES

Simply the best. David Larrubia completed 110 successful dribbles in his 39 appearances in LALIGA HYPERMOTION. No player in the entire division managed more, with Larrubia leading the category ahead of Córdoba’s Carracedo (94) and Deportivo’s Yeremay (90).

Dani Lorenzo (55), Carlos Puga (44), Joaquín (39) and Lobete (23) were the team’s next most prolific dribblers after the number ‘10’ from La Luz.

The club has been allocated away tickets priced at €25. Each winner of the Malaguista ticket draw will be able to purchase one ticket, plus one for a companion, who must also be a registered club member.

Malaguistas who want to take part in the ticket draw can apply from now until Tuesday 2^nd June at 23:59 via the official club website form: HERE.

See you in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria!

The players who started the match against Real Zaragoza carried out recovery work at the Annexe, while the substitutes and those not included in the matchday squad trained as usual under the supervision of Juanfran Funes.

Rafita, who is dealing with discomfort in his right ankle, remained in the gym. Juani and Arriaza continue to train with the first team, which is still without the injured Dorrio, Juanpe, Luismi, and Pastor.

The squad will have a rest day on Tuesday. On Wednesday, at 10:30, they will hold their second training session of the week at La Rosaleda’s facilities.

No competition

7-a-side

3ª Prebenjamín - Copa Federación (Semi-finals)

UD La Mosca 'A' 0 - 6 Málaga CF

Women’s football

1ª Cadete

Málaga CF 4 - 1 CD Xerez Féminas FC

“Very happy. It’s a very special day for everyone. Securing this playoff spot with Málaga is something very special, and we’re going to enjoy it to the fullest.”

“We have to appreciate this, look at where we’ve come from and where we are now. That’s the key for what comes next.”

Las Palmas, rival

“We need to look at their current form and study the opponent properly. We already know them, they’re a great team with a strong squad. We’ll go in with full confidence and give it everything.”

Promotion playoff

“That possibility has never left our minds. This team is more than ready to face the playoffs, without speculating on the result and showing the personality we’ve demonstrated.”

“A playoff is played with many factors beyond just football. We have to try to set the tempo ourselves.”

Personal

“On a personal level, as I’ve always said, I’ve found my place, and it means a lot to achieve great things with this team. Securing this playoff qualification is very important, and I’m really eager to keep proving myself.”

Fans

“They are the ones who are going to pull us forward. The message is that we will continue as a family, supporting the team. We will make them proud of us.”

Feeling of belonging

“There’s something very important, every player feels the shirt as strongly as anyone else. There are many homegrown players who truly feel the colours, and that will be important.”

“I have the best teammates. Our team is going to approach every match at full intensity and enjoy it.”

“Yes, we knew how important this match was for us to reach the playoffs. Now we need to rest because we have a tough battle against Las Palmas.”

“The important thing was to get the win. We were depending on ourselves, and we achieved the victory, which secures our place in the playoffs.”

Las Palmas, playoff rival

“We’ve faced them twice, and if we’re able to do what the coach tells us, we will be capable of getting the victory.”

Focused

“We have to focus on our work, do what the coach tells us, which is what has brought us to fight for these promotion playoffs to the First Division. We still have a lot of work to do; we can achieve it.”

24 goals

“I’ve worked very hard, and my teammates and people around me know it. I knew I had the qualities, I just needed to focus my mind, and these are the rewards of that work.”

Fans

“Unbelievable, they are our 12^th player. They will respond, and at La Rosaleda the team will respond as well.”

Dressing room

“The dressing room is very happy, excited to be playing a promotion playoff to the First Division. It’s a dream.”

Season ticket holders will be able to purchase discounted tickets from Sunday 31^st May at 21:30 until Friday 5^th June at 07:00. After that time, those seats will be released and will no longer be available for them to buy.

From Friday at 10:00, general-price tickets that are available will go on sale (including season ticket holder seats that have not been redeemed). This sale will be exclusively for club members, as even those who have already purchased their ticket will still have priority to buy additional tickets for family and friends. This exclusive members’ sales period will last until Sunday 7^th at 10:00, when ticket sales will open to the general public. Each season ticket holder will be able to apply their usual 10% discount to up to two tickets, with a maximum purchase of four tickets in total.

We remind fans that season tickets will not be valid for entry to the stadium, and all attendees must purchase a ticket.

Ticket office opening hours

La Rosaleda ticket offices will be open during the following hours:

• Monday to Friday: 10:00 to 18:30
• Saturday: 10:00 to 14:00
• Match day: from 10:00 until half-time.

Prices

“Today is not the end of anything, but the beginning of something. Today’s match was tough for us, the heat, the dry pitch, and the wind made the game slow. We were able to get through it. I want to congratulate Burgos and Eibar, they fought almost until the very last minute. If we hadn’t won, we would be out. The key moment was deciding whether to go for the second goal or defend the 0-1, with all the risk that entailed. We chose to go for another goal, and it came, it was an important step. I want to congratulate the players and thank the fans. 1,500 people came, and it felt like we were playing at home. Thanks to them, we had that extra boost that has brought us here.”

The journey

“It’s a very beautiful feeling based on what the players have created week after week. It has been very enjoyable, the fans have been fully committed. People would stop you on the street to congratulate you, people who had turned their TVs off have turned them back on and started believing again. Hope is our path and passion our destination. Through hope and victories, we have all been able to see the potential of Malaguismo. Enjoying it all together is something special. I want to thank those below and also those up above. We must now focus on the next match, which will be the most important of the year.”

Playoff rival

“All the players who came on did an outstanding job. Every match has its difficulties, and UD Las Palmas have talent that must be controlled. We’re also going to play two very close games in a short period of time. Now we need to build momentum and have a good week. We must be able to compete well in these two matches. The two league wins against Las Palmas would be enough for us, but just because we did it before doesn’t mean we’ll do it again. We start from zero, build confidence, and understand the difficulty ahead. They are a very talented team, and we will have to be at our very best. The tie will be extremely tight, and we must take advantage of every detail.”

Unified kick-off times

“We tried to isolate the players from everything. From the bench, we had to stay alert to make decisions during the match. We were aware of how the rest of the results were unfolding. The substitutions were a delicate moment. The result was enough for us, but they could have equalised and knocked us out. We had to go for the second goal, any situation left us exposed. The team understood the message perfectly, we had more chances to score and in the end it went well. I wish Zaragoza the best of luck, this situation will give them a chance to regroup and build momentum, and they must take advantage of it. Hopefully they come back soon and stronger. We’re happy that all this effort has been rewarded in the result. When players perform well, it makes many people happy, not just those who travelled here. When these moments arrive, you have to seize them, and we are enjoying them.”

The project

“We are now reaping the rewards of the bitter experience in Primera RFEF, that is how the project was relaunched. Trusting our young players gave us potential that was always going to grow in an upward direction, and that has been passed on to all our supporters. There was a lost generation for Málaga. I want to remember Bravo, who took it from Adra to Athens. There were people who disconnected from Málaga and watched other teams because we were in the Third Division or Segunda B. If Málaga had managed to maintain its place in professional football, the situation would be different. The Champions League and the time spent in Primera RFEF mean that kids no longer doubt they are Málaga fans, and we must give them the opportunity to see Málaga in the First Division.”

The match began with Málaga CF taking the initiative. In the 5^th minute, Dotor and Joaquín created the team's first chances. The midfielder had a clear opportunity, but the home keeper made the save. Joaquín collected the rebound, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.

In minute 14, Larrubia had a great chance to open the scoring. Following a corner kick, Joaquín found him inside the penalty area, but the number 10's effort was brilliantly saved by the goalkeeper. Shortly afterward, in the 22^nd minute, Larrubia was involved again, sending a shot from the edge of the box just wide of the post.

Málaga CF's opening goal came after an excellent play by Larrubia down the right flank. The winger cut inside and went for goal, but the home goalkeeper made the save. Chupe reacted quickest to the rebound, getting ahead of his marker to make it 0-1. Málaga went into half-time holding a narrow lead.

After the break, Málaga resumed without making any changes. Later on, however, Aarón Ochoa replaced Joaquín in the 61^st minute. Niño and Rafa then came on for Dani Lorenzo and Izan Merino in the 69^th minute.

Shortly after entering the pitch, Niño won a penalty for Málaga. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot, and Chupe converted from the 11-metre mark to make it 0-2 in minute 77. In the 83^rd minute, Ramón and Víctor were introduced in place of Puga and Larrubia.

The match ended 0-2. Málaga CF finished on 73 points, securing 4^th place, and qualifiying for the promotion playoffs to the First Division. Next Sunday 7^th June, they will play the first leg of the opening playoff round against UD Las Palmas at the Estadio Gran Canaria (21:00). The return leg will be played on Wednesday 10^th June at La Rosaleda (21:00).

The Blue and Whites will fly to Zaragoza and remain in concentration ahead of tomorrow's match, kicking off at 18:30 against Real Zaragoza at the Ibercaja Estadio, on matchday 42 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION.

Refereeing is Basque official Daniel Palencia, assisted in the VAR room by Rubén Ávalos.

Players in common Real Zaragoza-Málaga CF

Cornago, Movilla, Sánchez Broto, Antonio Hidalgo, Apoño, Eliseu, Lolo, Pablo Barros, Uche, Roberto, Borja Bastón, Erik Morán, Juankar, Buenacasa, Adrián González, Peybernes, Febas, Delmás, Manu Molina, Iván Calero, Keidi Bare and Paulino

(*) Jorge Pina, a former player for Málaga CF and Málaga ‘B’, and currently the assistant coach of the Malaguista Juvenil ‘A’ team, previously played for Real Zaragoza ‘B’.

Coaches in common Real Zaragoza-Málaga CF

Marcos Alonso and Natxo González

Players in common Real Zaragoza-CD Málaga

Alonso*, Olivares, Ramos, Sagrado, Elzo, Lasheras, Vidal, Vallejo, Goicoechea, Bustillo, Heredia, Modesto, Pineda and Belman

(*) As CD Malacitano
(**) Antonio Iznata, CD Málaga juvenil player, was also part of Real Zaragoza

Coaches in common Real Zaragoza-CD Málaga

Antonio Sorribas*, Manuel Olivares, Francisco Bru, Luis Urquiri, Juan Otxoa, Domingo Balmanya and Luis Costa

(*) As CD Malacitano

Players who debuted with Málaga CF against Real Zaragoza in Aragón

•    Tote (Real Zaragoza 1-0 Málaga CF, 30/01/2005)
•    Francis Durán (Real Zaragoza 0-1 Málaga CF, 17/01/2007)
•    Kiko Olivas (Real Zaragoza 0-1 Málaga CF, 17/01/2007)
•    Roberto Santamaría (Real Zaragoza 1-1 Málaga CF, 28/10/2009)
•    Iván González (Real Zaragoza 1-1 Málaga CF, 28/10/2009)
•    Galatto (Real Zaragoza 3-5 Málaga CF, 12/09/2010)
•    Kris Stadsgaard (Real Zaragoza 3-5 Málaga CF, 12/09/2010)
•    Sergio Sánchez (Real Zaragoza 0-0 Málaga CF, 25/09/2011)
•    Saviola (Real Zaragoza 0-1 Málaga CF, 01/09/2012)
•    Juan Soriano (Real Zaragoza 1-2 Málaga CF, 18/10/2020)

Match info

• Following Larrubia’s goal against Racing last week at La Rosaleda, Málaga CF’s 2025/26 side has now surpassed the 72 league goals (in 42 matches) scored by the team coached by Joaquín Peiró, which won promotion as champions to the top flight in the 1998/99 season and, until now, held the club’s best-ever scoring record in the Second Division. They now have 73 goals in 41 matches. Another historic benchmark is the ‘Súper Málaga’ team of 1987/88, which won the Second Division and returned to the elite by scoring 74 goals in 38 league matches. Further back in time, CD Málaga also won the second tier in the 1951/52 season with 83 goals in 30 matches.

• Alfonso Herrero is the only Málaga CF player who has played all 3,690 minutes of the league campaign. The goalkeeper from Toledo is second in the competition so far in total saves (136), only behind UD Almería goalkeeper Andrés Fernández (150).

• Chupe is the top Malaguista scorer with 22 goals and the third-highest scorer in LALIGA HYPERMOTION, just one goal behind Racing’s Andrés Martín (23) and two behind the division’s ‘pichichi’, Almería’s Sergio Arribas (24). Dani Gómez, with 9 goals, is Zaragoza’s leading scorer.

• Larrubia remains the best dribbler in the league. The ‘10’ has successfully completed 107 dribbles, leading this category ahead of Córdoba’s Carracedo and Deportivo’s Yeremay, both with 90.

• Carlos Puga, David Larrubia, and Joaquín Muñoz are the Malaguistas who are one yellow card away from suspension, each having accumulated four bookings in their current cycle.

• Málaga CF, in league matches away from home, have recorded eight wins, three draws, and nine losses in 20 games (27 points), scoring 31 goals and conceding 28.

• Real Zaragoza, the second-worst home side in the division in terms of points, have obtained four wins, six draws, and 10 defeats in 20 matches (18 points), scoring 18 goals and conceding 29.

Stats and facts

• This will be the seventh time Málaga CF face Real Zaragoza at the Aragón side’s home ground in the Second Division. In the previous six meetings, the Blue and Whites have never lost, recording two wins and four draws. The most recent encounter at La Romareda ended 0-0 last season (2024/25).

• In addition, the two sides have met 10 times in the First Division and twice in the Copa del Rey in Aragón. Across those 12 encounters, Málaga have claimed four wins, four draws, and four defeats, with a goal tally of 20 scored and 16 conceded.

• Real Zaragoza is the third opponent that Málaga have faced the most times in its history, as MCF. There have been 37 meetings, 18 of them in Zaragoza, with six wins, eight draws, and four defeats for Málaga (22 goals scored and 18 conceded).

• An extraordinary 3-5. One of Málaga CF’s most memorable away victories dates back to 12^th September 2010. On matchday 2 of the 2010/11 First Division season, a dominant Málaga side dismantled Zaragoza in just 35 minutes. Fernando and Juanmi, both scoring braces, and Quincy, who made it 0-5 in the 34^th minute of the first half, were the goalscorers for the team then coached by Jesualdo Ferreira. Although Málaga conceded three goals afterwards, they still secured +3 points in an unforgettable night at La Romareda.

• Club Deportivo Málaga, in 21 official away matches against the Zaragoza side, was only able to secure victory on one occasion. It came on matchday 5 of the 1952/53 season in the First Division, at the Torrero stadium. The result was 0-2, with Malaguista goals from San Emeterio and Juan.

• In the nine seasons that Málaga CF played in the Second Division, on matchday 42 they secured four wins, three draws, and two defeats. The most memorable victory came in the 2007/08 season, when Málaga won their last promotion to the elite by beating CD Tenerife (2-1) at La Rosaleda, with an unforgettable brace from Antonio Hidalgo.

The session, the last of the regular season, kicked-off at 10:15 and included an initial warm-up with physical activation drills and rounds, before moving into a focused tactical block and set-piece work typical of the day before a match.

Diego Murillo and Aaron Ochoa once again completed training with the group, which also continues to include Atlético Malagueño players, Arriaza and Juani.

As for absences, the known injured players remain out: Juanpe, Dorrio, Luismi, and Pastor, all of whom are continuing their respective recovery processes.

The team will travel this afternoon to Aragón to face Real Zaragoza on Sunday at Ibercaja Estadio at 18:30, on matchday 42 of LALIGA HYPERMOTION.

“We have to win in Zaragoza, that’s the most important thing. The only thing that matters is winning in Zaragoza. The only way to guarantee everything is to win there. And to win, we’ll have to score goals, maybe more than one. And we can’t think about yellow cards, especially the players.”

Last match

“No one wants to lose this match. It will probably feel like a slow-motion game. Managing that is very important. Many players have already experienced situations like this before. In the reserve team, many of those who are here have gone through those playoff campaigns. These are situations that a lot of players have lived through, and they’re special because of the circumstances surrounding the match.”

“With respect and composure, everything has to be measured carefully. It won’t be easy, but the beautiful thing is that there’s a core group of teams there with an incredibly high level of demand. We’ve had a spectacular finish to the season to be in control of our own destiny. And the other teams have as well. I also want to congratulate the two teams that won’t make it, because of the number of points needed just to have a chance of reaching the playoffs. This level of competitiveness is what makes the competition so exciting.”

Excitement

“For us, the season has been incredibly thrilling. Everything we’ve experienced has been very emotional, with so many great moments and circumstances that have allowed us to be here. It’s been a very exciting, beautiful, and enjoyable journey, and no one can take that away from us. We’re very eager to continue along this path.”

Journey to Zaragoza

“I want to thank the club for the effort it has made. Being able to travel on a charter flight is a step forward. It’s important, everything that adds value and helps us has to be taken advantage of.”

Confidence, without being overconfident

“Not everyone takes it for granted that we will win in Zaragoza. We can’t control what others think. If they think that way, it’s because of what they’ve seen us do before. What we do will depend on what we are capable of doing on the day. That’s the important thing to keep in mind. Focus on football, on this match, and that ‘confident’ feeling comes from previous games. The players are fully focused.”

Enjoyment

“We always set ourselves the goal of winning the next match, and on matchday 42 we still have the same objective. Our aim will remain the same, which is to win the game. It’s so difficult to enjoy an opportunity like this, and we have to make the most of it as it deserves.”

On a positive note, Diego Murillo and Aaron Ochoa rejoined full team training and completed the session normally. Malagueño players Arriaza and Juani also continued training with the first team for another day.

Injured players Juanpe, Dorrio, Luismi and Pastor continue their respective recovery treatments away from the main squad.

Tomorrow, Saturday at 10:30, the team will train at La Rosaleda Stadium before travelling to Zaragoza in the evening.