After 86 days away from competitive action following a disappointing end to their 2025/26 LaLiga campaign, Atlético de Madrid returned to action on Wednesday night against newly promoted Málaga.
Diego Simeone’s side will be looking to start the new season strongly after an inconsistent campaign last term. Improving their away record and tightening up defensively will be among Atlético’s main priorities.
Atlético Strengthen Squad
Atlético have made several important additions during the summer transfer window as Simeone looks to address weaknesses from last season.
Morten Hjulmand has arrived to strengthen the midfield, while Cristian Romero has been brought in to add greater defensive solidity.
At left wing-back, Alejandro Grimaldo provides additional quality and depth, while Kang-In Lee has joined as a potential replacement for Antoine Griezmann.
The club’s preparations, however, have been complicated by international commitments and transfer uncertainty.
Mixed Preseason Results
Several key players were delayed in returning to the squad because of their FIFA World Cup commitments, while the ongoing Julián Alvarez transfer saga dominated much of Atlético’s summer.
The Rojiblancos produced mixed results during preseason.
They suffered defeats against Manchester United in Sweden and Manchester City in South Korea, but responded with an impressive 4-1 victory over Getafe in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
Atlético then concluded their preseason with a 2-1 win over Marseille in France.
Málaga Return to LaLiga
Málaga are back in Spain’s top flight after an eight-year absence that saw the club fall as far as the country’s third division.
Their return was secured following a dramatic 2-1 away victory over Almería in the second leg of June’s promotion play-off final.
It marks a remarkable turnaround for a club that had endured years of financial and sporting difficulties.
Funes Leads Málaga’s Revival
Málaga’s promotion push received a major boost following the appointment of Juan Francisco Funes as manager last November.
The club had managed only five victories from their opening 15 league matches before Funes took charge.
The new manager immediately transformed the team’s fortunes, guiding Málaga on a nine-match unbeaten run, including six consecutive victories.
That remarkable sequence propelled the club into the promotion play-off places and eventually helped them secure their return to LaLiga.
Málaga Rely on Chupete and Larrubia
Málaga will now shift their focus from promotion to survival in the Primera División.
A major part of their hopes will rest on Carlos Ruiz Rubio, better known as “Chupete”, who scored 24 league goals last season.
Adrián Niño and David Larrubia will also play important roles after combining for 21 goals during Málaga’s promotion campaign.
Málaga Strengthen Their Defence
The newly promoted side have also worked to improve their defensive options.
Fernando Calero and José Salinas have arrived from Espanyol, adding experience and depth to the backline.
Málaga have also strengthened their attack by bringing in winger Juan Cruz on loan from Leganés.
Arnau Ortiz Earns First-Team Promotion
Atlético received positive news this week with the promotion of academy product Arnau Ortiz to the first team.
The Madrileño has been handed the No. 16 shirt, marking an important milestone in his development.
His journey from Atlético’s youth system to the senior squad has been welcomed by supporters and represents another example of the club’s commitment to developing young talent.
Julián Alvarez Transfer Saga Nears Conclusion
The future of Julián Alvarez has been one of the biggest talking points surrounding Atlético throughout the summer.
However, the situation now appears to be moving towards a resolution, with reports suggesting that the chances of Alvarez remaining at the club are very high.
The forward has also appeared focused during training, showing a positive attitude alongside his teammates.
The main question now is how much involvement Alvarez will have against Málaga.
World Cup Winners Face Limited Minutes
Atlético’s World Cup winners Marcos Llorente and Álex Baena are expected to receive limited playing time after returning late from their post-tournament holidays.
Meanwhile, Alexander Sørloth has been ruled out after suffering a muscular injury during training.
The injury is not believed to be serious, although Atlético have yet to provide a definitive timetable for his return.
Atlético Dominate Historical Rivalry
Atlético have enjoyed a strong record against Málaga over the years.
The two clubs have met 72 times across all competitions, with Atlético winning 40 matches, drawing 19 and losing just 13.
The Colchoneros have also won their last five meetings with Málaga, dating back to 2016.
Last Meeting Came in 2018
The most recent meeting between the sides took place on 10 February 2018 at La Rosaleda.
Atlético claimed a narrow 1-0 victory, with Antoine Griezmann scoring just one minute into the match.
More than eight years later, Málaga’s return to the top flight sets up another meeting between the two clubs.
Atlético Aim for Strong Start
With new signings, returning internationals and several young players pushing for opportunities, Atlético will hope to begin their new LaLiga campaign with a statement victory.
For Málaga, the challenge is completely different: after an extraordinary journey back to the Primera División, they will look to prove they belong among Spain’s elite once again.