Málaga drew 2-2 with Fulham in their final preseason fixture. Chupe and Jauregi (penalty) scored for Málaga. Fulham opted not to take part in the penalty shootout, meaning the 36th edition of the trophy stays at La Rosaleda.
A good crowd of 17,179 spectators filled the stands on a very hot night as Málaga presented their team to the fans ahead of the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
Juanfran Funes named the following starting-11: A. Herrero; C. Puga, Recio, Einar, Salinas; D. Larrubia, Izan M., Dani Lorenzo, Joaquín; Niño and Chupe. In the 12th minute, Niño was forced off through injury and was replaced by Rafa R.
Arbeloa’s Fulham took the lead just before the first hydration break through Sessegnon (0-1, 24’). Four minutes later, Chupe showed that his love affair with goals is still going strong, levelling the match (1-1, 28’).
After the restart, Chupe created a good chance in the 47th minute, but it was saved by the London side’s goalkeeper. However, the visitors regained the lead through Alex Iwobi (1-2, 57’).
In the 63rd minute, Rafita and Pastor replaced Salinas and Einar. Following the second hydration break, Málaga pushed for an equaliser in the final 15 minutes. Funes made eight substitutions in minute 78, bringing on Carlos López, Lobete, Cruz, Ramón, Haitam, Jauregi and reserve team players Otu and Juani.
With regulation time up, Jauregi converted a penalty in the 91st minute to level the score at 2-2. Although a penalty shootout had been scheduled, Fulham left the pitch, claiming that a shootout had not been included in the contract. Málaga CF were therefore crowned champions of the XXXVI Costa del Sol Cervezas Victoria Cup.