The Blue and Whites sit 20^th in the table with 4 points and face a Real Sociedad side in 6^th place, occupying a European qualification spot, with 13 points.

Players in common Málaga CF-Real Sociedad

Roteta, Gerardo, Juanito, Nacho, Schürrer, Rossato, Juanmi, Diego Llorente, ‘Chory’ Castro, Sandro Ramírez, Sangalli, Monreal, Cristo, Hervías and Lobete

(*) Jauregi played for Real Sociedad ‘B’

(**) Jon Bakero and Gabilondo are former Malaguistas who came through Real Sociedad’s academy, while Zubillaga came through Real Sociedad’s youth ranks before joining Málaga CF ‘B’.

Coaches in common Málaga CF-Real Sociedad

None

(*) Juan Carlos Andrés, Málaga CF’s assistant coach, also served as assistant coach at Real Sociedad

(**) Javi Gracia, Málaga CF head coach from 2014 to 2016, played for Real Sociedad between 1995 and 1999. José Mari Bakero, a former Real Sociedad player and coach, managed Málaga CF ‘B’ in the Second Division during the 2004/05 season.

Players in common CD Málaga-Real Sociedad

Sagrado, Azcue, Del Río, Egusquiza and Goicoechea

Coaches in common CD Málaga-Real Sociedad

Antonio Barrios

Match info

• Alfonso Herrero and Recio are the only Malaguistas to have played every minute (720) so far this season. The Toledo-born goalkeeper ranks among the top three in saves in the league, with 30 to his name, just four behind leader Álvaro Valles (34).

• Calero and Aznou were the latest Blue and White signings to make their official debuts this season, featuring against Espanyol in the previous matchday. Salinas is available again after missing out due to contractual issues.

• Niño, with two goals, is Málaga CF’s top scorer so far this season. Real Sociedad’s Croatian forward, Sucic leads the visitors’ scoring charts with three goals.

• David Larrubia, with 23 successful dribbles, is the third-best dribbler in LALIGA EA SPORTS, behind Lamine Yamal (30) and Kylian Mbappé (29).

• Málaga CF have recorded three draws and one defeat in their four home games so far this season, earning three points, with three goals scored and five conceded.

• Real Sociedad have won their last two away league games, beating Elche CF and Valencia CF by 2-3, after losing their first two away fixtures 1-0 to Real Betis and 4-1 to Real Madrid.

Stats and facts

• Málaga CF and Real Sociedad have met 15 times at La Rosaleda in the top flight, with Málaga recording five wins, three draws and seven defeats.

• The last meeting in the elite between the two sides at La Rosaleda dates back to the 2017/18 season, when Málaga beat Real 2-0 thanks to goals from Adrián González and En-Nesyri.

• Málaga CF sporting director Loren Juarros was a prominent Real Sociedad player, featuring as both a centre-forward and a libero during his career. He made 411 official appearances for the Basque club, scoring 41 goals and winning the Copa del Rey in the 1986/87 season.

• CD Málaga and Real Sociedad met 20 times at La Rosaleda, including 18 matches in the First Division. Málaga enjoyed a positive record, winning 13, drawing four and losing three, with 38 goals scored and 20 conceded.

• On matchday 9 of their previous 17 seasons in the First Division, Málaga CF recorded four wins, four draws and nine defeats.