Málaga Club de Fútbol and RC Deportivo de La Coruña faced off on matchday 2 of LaLiga EA Sports at La Rosaleda. After 3,019 days, the Blue and Whites returned to the top flight at their home stadium, backed by 29,014 Malaguistas in the stands. Funes named the following starting XI: Alfonso Herrero; C. Puga, Recio, Einar, Rafita; Dani Lorenzo, Izan M., Dotor; Cruz, Chupe and Joaquín.
Málaga made a lively start in front of their home fans. Cruz tried his luck from distance, forcing a fine save from Leo Román, as the team took control of possession. Without creating any clear-cut chances, Funes’ side looked to impose their style of play. In the 19th minute, there was a moving ovation in tribute to former Malaguista player, Luismi.
The visitors looked compact and took advantage of the first chance they created. Following a great piece of play from Luismi, Aubameyang opened the scoring (0-1, 21’).
Málaga responded well and went in search of an equaliser. A great interception by Rafita in midfield allowed him to run at the Deportivo defender and win a penalty. Chupe stepped up to convert from the spot, scoring the equaliser and Málaga’s first goal of the 2026/27 season (1-1, 34’). The teams went into the break level at 1-1.
After the break, it was much of the same. In the 56th minute, Málaga made their first change, with Larrubia coming on for Cruz. In minute 73, there was a double substitution, with Haitam and Rafa R. replacing Dotor and Joaquín.
In the 76th minute, Málaga came agonisingly close to taking the lead. Chupe intercepted a horizontal pass inside the opposition box, but his effort struck the crossbar.
Málaga pushed hard in the closing stages but couldn’t find the second goal. In the 85th minute, Dani Lorenzo and Izan Merino were replaced by Ramón and Lobete. Despite their late efforts, the final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw.
Málaga CF have picked up their first point of the 2026/27 season and will play their next match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, 30th August at 17:00.