Málaga CF and Almería Vie for Promotion to La Liga in Playoff Final
Málaga CF defeated UD Las Palmas 1-0 away in the first leg of the promotion playoff semifinal, then drew 1-1 at home to advance. They will face UD Almería in a two-legged final for the last spot in La Liga. Almería advanced by beating CD Castellón. The Andalusian derby begins June 14 at La Rosaleda, with the return leg on June 20. Both clubs seek return to the top tier after absences of two and eight years respectively.
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Málaga CF Holds Final Training Session Before Promotion Playoff Final at La Rosaleda
Málaga CF completed its final training session of the 2025/26 season on Friday morning at La Rosaleda Stadium before traveling to Almería for the decisive second leg of the promotion playoff final to the First Division. The session began with a team photo at the Fondo Sur goal to symbolize unity. Under coach Juanfran Funes, the players engaged in a technical talk, physical activation, group rondo, and focused on tactical work and set-piece strategies. All available first-team players participated, except for injured squad members Einar, Dorrio, Juanpe, and Luismi, as well as youth players Juani, Arriaza, and goalkeepers Jorge and Álex Mateos. The team will depart by bus for Almería, where they face UD Almería on Saturday at 9:00 p.m. in the return leg, aiming to return to Spain's top tier.
Últimas NoticiasMálaga CF Holds Final Training Session Before Promotion Playoff Final
Málaga CF completed their final training session of the 2025/26 season on Friday morning at La Rosaleda Stadium, preparing for the decisive second leg of the promotion playoff final to the First Division. The session began with a team photo at the Fondo Sur goal to symbolize unity. Starting at 10:00 AM, coach Juanfran Funes led the players through a technical talk, activation exercises, group rondo, tactical work, and set-piece strategies. All available first-team players participated except for injured players Einar, Dorrio, Juanpe, and Luismi, as well as unregistered Pastor. Youth players Juani, Arriaza, and goalkeepers Jorge and Álex Mateos also joined. After the session, the team traveled by bus to Almería, where they will face UD Almería on Saturday at 9:00 PM in the second leg of the promotion playoff final, aiming to secure a return to the top tier of Spanish football.
Últimas NoticiasMálaga CF Holds Final Training Session Before Promotion Playoff Final Against Almería
Málaga CF conducted its last training session of the 2025/26 season on Friday morning at La Rosaleda Stadium before traveling to Almería for the decisive second leg of the promotion playoff final. The session began with a team family photograph at the Fondo Sur goal to symbolize unity. Starting at 10:00 a.m., coach Juanfran Funes led the squad through technical talks, physical activation, group rondos, and tactical work focusing on set-piece strategies. All available first-team players participated except the injured Einar, Dorrio, Juanpe, and Luismi, along with unregistered Pastor. Youth players Juani, Arriaza, and goalkeepers Jorge and Álex Mateos also integrated into the session. The team will depart by bus this afternoon, with a fan farewell expected at the stadium. The match against UD Almería is scheduled for Saturday at 9:00 p.m., with promotion to La Liga at stake.
Últimas NoticiasMálaga CF Finalizes Preparation for Almería Playoff Decider with Special Visit from Kylian
Málaga CF held its penultimate training session at La Rosaleda Stadium ahead of the decisive second leg of the playoff final for promotion to La Liga First Division against UD Almería. Coach Juanfran Funes' team trained with positive news as winger Haitam returned to full training after muscle discomfort, while several other players continued recovery separately. The session included technical-tactical work, and two Atlético Malagueño players remained in first-team dynamics. A special visit from Kylian, a local boy and Tiro Pichón player who overcame a brain tumor, lifted team spirits. The first leg ended 0-0, setting up a winner-takes-all match on Saturday at 9:00 PM in Almería.
Últimas NoticiasMálaga CF Finalizes Preparation for Promotion Playoff Final Second Leg Against Almería
Málaga CF held its penultimate training session at La Rosaleda on Thursday ahead of the second leg of the playoff final for promotion to La Liga's First Division. Coach Juanfran Funes will have the same squad available as in the first leg, with winger Haitam completing a full training session after recovering from muscle discomfort. The team worked on technical and tactical aspects, with Atlético Malagueño players Arriaza and Juani continuing to train with the first team. A special visit came from Kylian, a young Málaga player who overcame a brain tumor, receiving support from the squad and fans. The decisive match against UD Almería is scheduled for Saturday at 9:00 p.m. at the UD Almería Stadium, following a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
Últimas NoticiasSchedule and TV Guide for UD Almería vs Málaga CF Promotion Playoff Final Second Leg
The second leg of the promotion playoff final for the third spot in Spain's top football division (La Liga) will be played on Saturday at 9:00 PM at UD Almería Stadium. Málaga CF and UD Almería are competing after a goalless first leg at La Rosaleda. Málaga, led by coach Funes, must score at least one more goal than Almería to overcome the classification advantage held by Rubi's side. If the aggregate remains tied after extra time, Almería will be promoted. The match will be broadcast on LaLiga TV Hypermotion via platforms including Movistar Plus+, DAZN, Amazon Prime Video, and others. Post-match coverage, including reports and player ratings, will be available on La Opinión de Málaga website.
Últimas NoticiasFunes' Key Decision for Promotion Final Against Almería: One or Two Strikers for Málaga CF
Málaga CF and Almería face off in the return leg of the promotion playoff final to LaLiga EA Sports, with the match at UD Almería Stadium. Málaga must win after a 0-0 first leg, forcing coach Funes to consider tactical changes. He may switch from a 4-4-2 formation with two forwards (Niño and Chupe, who scored 35 goals combined) to a single-striker setup, or introduce finisher Jauregi later. Key players like Joaquín, Izan Merino, and Chupe are expected to start. Almería coach Rubi may also adjust, possibly starting Arnau for defensive solidity before introducing attackers Baptistao and Morcillo. Both teams have two training sessions to finalize their plans for the decisive match.
Últimas NoticiasMálaga CF Faces Tactical Dilemma: One or Two Strikers in Promotion Final Against Almería
Málaga CF and Almería will compete in the return leg of the promotion playoff final for a spot in Spain's First Division. The match, played at UD Almería Stadium, follows a 0-0 draw in the first leg. Málaga, needing a win, faces a tactical decision: whether to start with one or two forwards. Coach Funes has not repeated a lineup in three playoff matches, and options include a 4-4-2 formation with Niño and Chupe up front, or introducing Jauregi later. Almería, under coach Rubi, may adopt a containment strategy with Arnau reinforcing defense before switching to attack. Both teams have two training sessions to finalize their plans. Key players for Málaga include Joaquín, Izan Merino, and Chupe, while Almería's Leo Baptistao and Jon Morcillo are potential impact substitutes.
Últimas NoticiasFunes' Key Decision for Promotion Final Against Almería: One or Two Strikers for Málaga CF
Málaga CF and Almería face off in the return leg of the promotion playoff final for a spot in Spain's First Division. The match at UD Almería Stadium follows a 0-0 draw in the first leg, putting Málaga in a position where they must score to win promotion. Málaga coach Funes is considering a tactical shift from a 4-4-2 formation with two forwards (Niño and Chupe, who have 35 goals combined this season) to a single-striker setup, or introducing finisher Jauregi later. Key players like Joaquín, Izan Merino, and Chupe are expected to start. Almería coach Rubi may also adjust, potentially using a containment plan with Arnau before introducing attackers like Morcillo and Baptistao. Both teams have two training sessions left to finalize their strategies for the decisive match.
Últimas NoticiasMálaga CF Begins Final Preparations at La Rosaleda for Promotion Decider Against Almería
Málaga CF has started final preparations at La Rosaleda for the crucial return leg of the promotion final against Almería, scheduled for Saturday at 9:00 PM. The team, which has been preparing since summer, trained on Wednesday with the same squad as the first leg, including key player Haitam. Players Einar, Dorrio, Juanpe, Luismi, and Pastor continue recovery separately. Two more training sessions remain before the match, which will decide whether Málaga stays in LaLiga Hypermotion or is relegated. The team must score at least one goal at Almería's stadium and monitor their opponents closely.
Últimas NoticiasMálaga CF Begins Final Preparations at La Rosaleda for Promotion Decider Against Almería
Málaga CF has started final preparations at La Rosaleda for the crucial promotion final return leg against Almería, scheduled for Saturday at 9:00 PM. The team trained on Wednesday with the same squad as the first leg, including key player Haitam who scored in the previous match. Injured players Einar, Dorrio, Juanpe, Luismi, and Pastor continue recovery separately. Two more training sessions remain before the decisive match, where Málaga must score at least one goal at the UD Almería Stadium. The season has spanned 42 matchdays, including a coaching change from Pellicer to Funes and a tough semifinal against Las Palmas.
Últimas NoticiasMálaga CF's Promotion Hopes Rest on Away Record and Coach Funes Ahead of Almería Clash
Málaga CF faces a decisive promotion playoff final match against UD Almería this Saturday, needing a win after a 0-0 first-leg draw. The challenge is heightened by playing away from home, but the team has transformed under coach Funes, becoming the best away side in LaLiga Hypermotion. Since Funes took over on matchday 15, Málaga has earned 27 points on the road, with eight wins (including a play-off win at Las Palmas), three draws, and four losses. This starkly contrasts with their early-season form under Sergio Pellicer (one win, five losses away). The article highlights a recent 3-2 loss at Almería in April, noting that influential players Larrubia and Dani Lorenzo were absent then but are expected to play this Saturday. The club's improved away mentality and adaptability are cited as key reasons for optimism, with a massive traveling fan turnout anticipated despite limited ticket allocation.
Últimas NoticiasMálaga CF's Promotion Hopes Rest on Away Form Against Almería
Málaga CF faces a decisive promotion playoff match against UD Almería on Saturday, needing a win after a 0-0 first-leg draw. The challenge is playing away from home, but the team has transformed under coach Funes into the best away side in LaLiga Hypermotion. Since Funes took over in matchday 15, Málaga has earned 27 points on the road, with eight wins, three draws, and four losses. Key players Larrubia and Dani Lorenzo, absent in their last away defeat to Almería in April (3-2), are expected to be crucial. The team's improved away mentality and recent playoff success at Las Palmas bolster confidence. A massive fan trip is planned despite limited tickets, as the club aims to return to Primera División.
Últimas NoticiasMálaga CF Clings to Historical Precedents After 0-0 First Leg in Promotion Final Against Almería
The article analyzes the promotion playoff final between Málaga CF and UD Almería for the third and final spot in LaLiga EA Sports. The first leg ended in a 0-0 draw at La Rosaleda, giving Almería home-field advantage for the second leg. The article highlights five historical precedents where the first leg ended 0-0, and in every case, the away team won the second leg, offering hope to Málaga. Precedents include Granada (2011), Córdoba (2014), Elche (2020), Girona (2022), and Alavés (2023). The current format uses regular season standings as a tiebreaker, meaning any draw (including extra time) would promote Almería. The article also references Málaga's own dramatic promotion via a 122nd-minute goal in the past.
Últimas NoticiasMálaga CF needs win against Almería for promotion to La Liga First Division
Málaga CF must win next Saturday at the UD Almería Stadium (9:00 PM) to secure promotion to the First Division for the 2026/2027 season, following a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the promotion playoff final at La Rosaleda. The tie remains open, but UD Almería holds an advantage by hosting the second leg and having a better regular season classification (third place vs. fourth). If the aggregate score remains tied after extra time, Almería will be promoted based on their higher league finish, as no penalty shootout will be held. Málaga has no room for speculation and must win by any margin to earn promotion; any other result leaves them in the Second Division. The team faces a high-stakes challenge, needing to balance attack and defense against an Almería side playing with both home support and regulatory advantages.
Últimas NoticiasMálaga CF Must Win at Almería to Secure Promotion to La Liga
Málaga CF faces a decisive promotion playoff final against UD Almería next Saturday at 9:00 PM. After a 0-0 draw in the first leg at La Rosaleda, Málaga must win the second leg in Almería to secure promotion to the First Division for the 2026/2027 season. A draw after extra time would favor Almería due to their higher regular-season finish (3rd vs. 4th), and no penalty shootout will occur. Málaga cannot speculate or rely on alternative scenarios; only a victory guarantees their return to the elite of Spanish football. The match is described as a do-or-die appointment for the blue-and-white team.
Últimas NoticiasMálaga CF and La Rosaleda Break 30,000 Spectator Barrier with Best Attendance Since 2016
Málaga CF drew 0-0 against Almería in the first leg of the LaLiga Hypermotion playoff final to decide promotion to Spain's First Division. The match at La Rosaleda (Martiricos stadium) drew 30,083 spectators, the best attendance for the club since February 2016 when they hosted Real Madrid. It also set a new season record for the Second Division, surpassing the 29,937 attendance from the semifinal against Las Palmas. The atmosphere was described as historic and unforgettable, with fireworks and passionate support. The return leg will be played at Almería's stadium, with the winner earning promotion to the top tier. The article notes that the stadium's capacity may be insufficient for the club's current fanbase, and a renovation to 40,000-45,000 seats has been discussed by the city council.
Últimas NoticiasMálaga CF and La Rosaleda Break 30,000 Spectator Barrier with Best Numbers Since 2016
Málaga CF played a 0-0 draw against Almería in the first leg of the LaLiga Hypermotion promotion playoff final at La Rosaleda Stadium. The match attracted 30,083 spectators, breaking the 30,000 barrier for the first time since 2016, when 30,372 fans watched a match against Real Madrid in La Liga. This is also the highest attendance for the current second division season, surpassing the 29,937 from the semifinal against Las Palmas. The atmosphere was described as legendary and top-tier, with fireworks and a raucous crowd supporting the team. The return leg will be played at the UD Almería Stadium on Saturday at 9:00 PM, deciding which team will play in the top flight next season.
Últimas NoticiasLa Rosaleda Bids Farewell to 2025/2026 Season with Promotion Playoff First Leg
Málaga CF played UD Almería in the first leg of the promotion playoff final to Spain's First Division at La Rosaleda stadium on Sunday, closing the 2025/2026 home season. The match drew a record crowd of 30,083 fans, reflecting the strong bond between the team and its supporters throughout the season. The return leg will take place next Saturday in Almería, determining whether Málaga returns to the elite La Liga or remains in LaLiga Hypermotion. The article highlights the emotional farewell to a historic season, the uncertainty of the next opponent at La Rosaleda (which could be top-flight giants or second-division rivals), and the fanbase's unwavering support. The outcome of the tie will decide if Málaga's next official home match is in the First or Second Division.
Últimas NoticiasLa Rosaleda Bids Farewell to 2025/2026 Season; Promotion Playoff Final First Leg Played
Málaga CF hosted UD Almería at La Rosaleda stadium in the first leg of the promotion playoff final to Spain's First Division (La Liga). The match marked the end of the 2025/2026 home season for Málaga, with a record attendance of 30,083 fans. The return leg will be played next Saturday in Almería, determining whether Málaga returns to the elite division or remains in LaLiga Hypermotion (Second Division). The article highlights the emotional farewell, the strong fan support throughout the season, and the uncertainty about whether the next official home match will be against top-flight giants like Real Madrid or second-division teams like Burgos.
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