The 2025/26 season for Málaga CF in LALIGA HYPERMOTION culminated in a return to the top flight of Spanish football after an eight-year absence. The team finished the regular campaign in 4th place, securing a playoff spot for promotion, with 73 points, 21 victories, and 75 goals scored—outstanding figures that reflected the remarkable progress the side made throughout the season. After defeating UD Las Palmas and UD Almería in the promotion playoffs, Málaga secured a brilliant return to LALIGA EA SPORTS.

 

The journey began under the management of Sergio Pellicer, a figure deeply connected to Málaga both through his role in the club’s previous promotion to the second tier in 2023/24 and his extensive coaching career at La Rosaleda’s “Joaquín Peiró” bench, as well as his unwavering commitment to youth development. During the opening third of the season, Málaga endured a difficult spell, producing poor results and slipping dangerously close to the relegation zone. The situation ultimately led to Pellicer’s dismissal after Matchday 14, following a 1–0 defeat away to Cultural Leonesa. It was a painful decision, particularly for sporting director Loren Juarros.

 

The turning point came with the arrival of Juanfran Funes. Promoted from Atlético Malagueño, the coach from Loja became the driving force behind the team’s resurgence over the remaining two-thirds of the campaign. From the outset, Funes revitalized the squad: he increased the team’s competitive intensity, encouraged greater attacking freedom, and restored confidence within a dressing room that went from battling relegation to genuinely competing for promotion. His straightforward, proactive, educational approach, always focused on enjoying every moment, resonated with his players, the supporters, and the wider club environment.

 

The statistics perfectly illustrate this transformation. In his 28 league matches in charge, Funes’ Málaga collected 58 points—the best record in the division—finishing ahead of Real Racing Club and RC Deportivo, the other two teams that secured promotion to the top flight. The team’s well-drilled and almost automatic starting lineup typically featured Alfonso Herrero in goal; Puga and academy graduate Rafita at full-back; Murillo alongside either Einar or Montero in central defence; a midfield trio of Izan Merino, Dani Lorenzo, and Carlos Dotor; Larrubia and Joaquín providing pace and creativity on the wings; and Chupe leading the line, with Adrián Niño playing an important role both as a starter and from the bench. The contributions of academy products such as Rafa and Ochoa, captain Ramón, and the rest of a squad that consistently delivered both on and off the pitch must also be highlighted.

 

One of Málaga’s greatest strengths was once again La Rosaleda. The team lost only two home matches all season and turned its stadium into one of the most intimidating venues in the division. The supporters responded magnificently, regularly filling the stands and following the team in impressive numbers on away trips. This connection further strengthened the sense of belonging between the fans and a squad that featured 14 academy-developed players.

 

On an individual level, Chupe stood out as the team’s top scorer with 25 goals, making him the second-highest scorer in the division behind Almería’s Arribas, who netted 26. David Larrubia and Adrián Niño also reached double figures, scoring 12 goals each over the course of the season. Players such as Alfonso Herrero, Murillo, Dani Lorenzo, and Joaquín, among many others, delivered consistently outstanding performances throughout the campaign.

 

With promotion to the First Division—the fourteenth in the club’s history and the third achieved under the Málaga CF name—the club finally completed its long-awaited return to the elite after eight years away. It did so under the guidance of Juanfran Funes and an extraordinary group of players, defined by a clear identity, strong character, and ambition, built upon the foundations of the academy and backed by a truly devoted fanbase.