Match Information
Our pre-match preview Written before kick-off — see what we expected from this match
Match Overview
Malaga host Levante at Estadio La Rosaleda on September 6 in a Regular Season - 4 fixture that already carries early-season significance for both sides, given the contrasting trajectories reflected in the current table, with Malaga sitting 20th and Levante occupying 10th position.
The primary storyline here is the gulf in early-season form between the two clubs. Malaga head into this match without a win in their opening three La Liga fixtures, having suffered back-to-back defeats to Real Madrid (4-0) on August 30 and Atletico Madrid (2-0) on August 19, sandwiched around a 1-1 draw with Deportivo La Coruna on August 24. That run has left them bottom of the pack after three rounds, and manager Juan Funes will be looking for signs of resilience against a Levante side arriving with considerably more confidence. Levante, under Luis Castro, have been the more dynamic of the two teams, highlighted by a 5-2 home win over Real Betis on August 29 that followed a goalless draw away at Osasuna on August 24. Their only defeat in this run came away at Espanyol (3-0) on August 16.
The quality of opposition faced also deserves context: Malaga's underlying numbers have been skewed by facing Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in successive weeks, two of the toughest away assignments in the division, while Levante's 5-2 scoreline against Real Betis suggests an attack capable of punishing opponents when chances arise.
Neither side reports any injury concerns, meaning both managers can select from full-strength squads, which places even greater emphasis on current form and tactical execution rather than squad availability. With Malaga searching for their first points of the campaign and Levante aiming to build on their midtable start, this Regular Season - 4 clash looks set to be a revealing early gauge of both teams' seasonal ambitions.
Predicted Lineups
Malaga
A. Herrero; C. Puga, A. Recio, E. Galilea, Rafita; D. Larrubia, R. Rodriguez, I. Merino, J. Munoz; Chupe, C. Dotor
Levante
M. Ryan; N. Perez, Dela, A. Mandi, M. Sanchez; O. Rey, R. Brugue, E. Bardeli, J. A. Olasagasti, T. Fernandez; I. Romero
Team Form Analysis
Malaga
League Position: 20Malaga Form Analysis
Malaga's form heading into this fixture reads as one loss, one draw, and one further loss across their opening three La Liga matches of the season. The 4-0 defeat away at Real Madrid on August 30 and the 2-0 loss at Atletico Madrid on August 19 represent the two toughest fixtures of the early calendar, and the damage inflicted in both games points to defensive fragility against high-quality attacking sides. Sandwiched between those results was a 1-1 home draw against Deportivo La Coruna on August 24, the only match in which Malaga avoided defeat and found the net. Across these three league matches, Malaga have scored just once while conceding six, a return that places them 20th in the table after Round 3. The preseason friendlies, a 2-2 draw with Fulham and a 2-1 loss to AD Ceuta FC, offered little indication that results would improve once competitive football began. Juan Funes will need his side to show significantly more attacking productivity and defensive solidity if they are to climb away from the foot of the table.
Levante
League Position: 10Levante Form Analysis
Levante arrive at La Rosaleda with the more encouraging recent record of the two sides. Their standout result was a 5-2 home victory over Real Betis on August 29, a performance that showcased significant attacking firepower and will give Luis Castro's side confidence heading into this trip. That win followed a goalless draw away at Osasuna on August 24, suggesting a team capable of both defensive discipline and clinical finishing depending on the demands of the match. Their sole league defeat in this stretch came away at Espanyol, a 3-0 loss on August 16, indicating there is still room for improvement on the road. Levante's preseason form was mixed, with a 1-3 win away at Castellón on August 8 followed by a 1-0 loss to Villarreal on August 5. Overall, across their three La Liga matches, Levante have scored five goals and conceded five, a balanced return that has them sitting comfortably in 10th place as they head into Round 4.
Head-to-Head
Malaga
Levante
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-02-08 | Malaga | 1 - 1 | Levante |
| 2024-11-27 | Levante | 4 - 2 | Malaga |
| 2023-03-17 | Malaga | 0 - 0 | Levante |
| 2022-12-04 | Levante | 1 - 0 | Malaga |
| 2018-04-19 | Levante | 1 - 0 | Malaga |
| 2017-12-01 | Malaga | 0 - 0 | Levante |
| 2016-05-02 | Malaga | 3 - 1 | Levante |
| 2015-12-30 | Levante | 0 - 1 | Malaga |
| 2015-02-07 | Levante | 4 - 1 | Malaga |
| 2014-09-13 | Malaga | 0 - 0 | Levante |
Memorable Matches
The history between Malaga and Levante spans over a decade and includes several high-scoring and tightly contested encounters. On February 7, 2015, Levante secured a commanding 4-1 win over Malaga, one of the more emphatic results in the fixture's history. The reverse fixture on May 2, 2016 saw Malaga respond in kind with a 3-1 victory of their own. More recently, on November 27, 2024, Levante defeated Malaga 4-2 in a match that produced six goals between the sides. The fixture has also produced several tightly fought draws, including goalless stalemates in 2017 and 2014, and a 1-1 draw as recently as February 8, 2025, reflecting a rivalry that has swung between decisive results and cagey deadlocks over the years.
Venue Factor
Estadio La Rosaleda provides the backdrop for this Regular Season - 4 fixture, with Malaga looking to their home surroundings for a much-needed change in fortunes after a difficult start to the campaign. Their only point so far this season came on home soil, a 1-1 draw with Deportivo La Coruna on August 24, suggesting the venue could offer a platform for improvement compared to their away struggles at Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. For Levante, this represents a trip away from home following a strong 5-2 win at their own ground against Real Betis, and their away record this season has been mixed, featuring a draw at
Injury Concerns
Malaga
Levante
