Real Madrid have made a promising start to the 2026/27 La Liga season. They’re back at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday to take on newly-promoted Málaga.
Stars delivering as Real Madrid look for progress under Mourinho
José Mourinho’s second stint as Real Madrid boss has begun with victories over Espanyol and Real Sociedad. A 4-2-3-1 system has already emerged, with Jude Bellingham operating in an attacking midfield role and Kylian Mbappé leading the line.
Vinícius Júnior continues to operate off the left. The winger scored and assisted in a 4-1 midweek victory over La Real. He’ll be hoping to better last season’s tally of 21 goal contributions in 36 league outings.
With Champions League football on the horizon, Mourinho will need to make use of his squad, so some light rotation is possible in this match. The Portuguese coach is still missing Éder Militão, Rodrygo, Raúl Asencio and Ferland Mendy due to injuries, while Aurélien Tchouaméni and Endrick are rated doubtful.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Málaga (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Silva; Vinícius, Bellingham, Güler; Mbappé.
Málaga relying on Chupete up front
A 1-1 home draw against Deportivo La Coruña secured the first point for Málaga since their return to the top flight on Monday. Juan Francisco Funes isn’t expected to make major changes for the tough trip to the Bernabéu, but David Larrubia will return on the right flank.
Chupete converted a penalty for the Andalusians last time out and is likely to be their main goal threat this season. The 22-year-old scored 24 goals in 39 appearances in the 2025/26 Segunda División.
The visitors are missing Aarón Ochoa, Adrián Niño, Fernando Calero, Diego Murillo and Moussa Diarra due to injuries.
Málaga predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-3-3): Herrero; Puga, Recio, Galilea, Rafita; Merino, Dotor, Lorenzo; Larrubia, Chupete, Joaquín.
Real Madrid vs Málaga Prediction
- Safe Tip: Real Madrid -1.5 Handicap
- Odds: 1.39 (22Bet)
- Correct score prediction: Real Madrid 3-0 Málaga
- 22Bet Booking Code: 8HB1H
Key stats:
- Including friendlies, Real Madrid have won each of their past five matches.
- Los Blancos have won three of their previous five La Liga fixtures by two or more goals.
- Málaga have lost their previous four games against Real Madrid.
Málaga haven’t added much quality to their squad since winning promotion and will be reliant on a young core group of players making the step up. Against a team of Real Madrid’s pedigree, they will be overrun across the pitch.
With a new coach to impress, the home players are hungry and motivated. They had 20 shots and created five big chances against Real Sociedad on Wednesday.
The visitors have only won one of their past seven matches, including friendlies. Backing them to lose by two or more goals in the Spanish capital is the safe pick.
Real Madrid vs Málaga Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: Kylian Mbappé to score first
- Odds: 2.63 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: LP21H
After scoring 10 goals in eight appearances at the World Cup, Kylian Mbappé takes momentum into the new season. He opened his club account with a hat-trick in midweek.
The Frenchman scored first in 34% of his 2025/26 La Liga matches. He offers value to break the deadlock in this game at odds of 2.63.
Verdict: Real Madrid -1.5 Handicap (1.39) — Real Madrid 3-0 Málaga
