Málaga are still searching for their first victory since securing promotion back to the Spanish top flight. They welcome Levante to La Rosaleda on Sunday.

Late business strengthens Málaga squad

While the other promoted clubs have spent heavily this summer, Málaga have largely stuck with the core group of young players who impressed in the second tier. However, they did complete moves for Adam Aznou, Juan Berrocal and Jens Cajuste before the transfer window shut.

Those additions are welcome given the Andalusians already have a number of injuries. Diego Murillo and Aarón Ochoa are both confirmed absentees for this clash. Adrián Niño, Fernando Calero and Moussa Diarra are additional doubts.

The front three is again likely to consist of Joaquín Muñoz, Chupete and David Larrubia. The trio all played key roles as Los Boquerones won promotion last term, with Chupete netting 24 times in 39 appearances.

Málaga predicted lineup vs Levante (4-3-3): Herrero; Puga, Recio, Galilea, Rafita; Merino, Dotor, Lorenzo; Larrubia, Chupete, Joaquín.

Levante hoping to build on five-star display

In one of the shock results on matchday three, Levante recorded a stunning 5-2 victory over Real Betis. They’d failed to score in their opening two games, but came alive with Roger Brugué netting twice in an impressive attacking showing.

There is little reason for Luís Castro to make changes to his lineup here. He only has one likely injury absentee and that’s back-up goalkeeper Alejandro Primo.

There was also some late movement in the transfer market at the Valencia club, with Carlos Álvarez leaving to join Club América. Petar Ratkov has arrived on loan from Lazio. He’s a fresh option up front, although the Serbian striker failed to score in eight Serie A appearances last term.

Levante predicted lineup vs Málaga (4-3-3): Ryan; Pérez, De la Fuente, Mandi, M. Sánchez; Rey, Olasagasti, Bardeli; Thiago, Romero, Brugué.

Málaga vs Levante Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Over 1.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.27 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Málaga 2-1 Levante
  • 22Bet Booking Code: ZX4JU

Key stats:

  • There were eight goals across the two meetings when these clubs last clashed in the 2024/25 Segunda División.
  • Levante matches so far in this campaign are averaging 3.33 goals per game.
  • Málaga’s regular-season fixtures last term produced 3.02 goals per 90 minutes on average.

Levante will approach this encounter with renewed belief after they scored five times last time out. They had 19 shots and created five big chances against a Champions League team. That bodes well for their hopes of moving on from the departure of their key striker Carlos Espí.

Including friendlies, all of the past nine Málaga matches have produced at least two goals in total. Juanfran Funes favours an attacking style and backing over 1.5 goals is a safe pick for this contest.

Málaga vs Levante Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Málaga to score over 1.5 goals
  • Odds: 2.325 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: SAMJU

With 14 shots against Real Madrid in their most recent outing, Málaga are showing signs of life in the final third. Two tough away fixtures in the capital largely explain their slow start, but they will have much more joy against this Levante defence.

The visitors finished last season with the joint-worst defensive record in La Liga, conceding 1.61 goals per game on average. Backing the hosts to net over 1.5 goals offers value at odds of 2.325 on Sunday.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals (1.27) — Málaga 2-1 Levante