- Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last 5 (W4, D1).
- Malaga have yet to win away in LaLiga 2026/2027 (D0, L1).
- Los Blancos are in possession of the form momentum.
Málaga must make their mark
18th placed Malaga CF are already under pressure in LaLiga 2026/2027 with 0 points from 1 match, while Real Madrid, sitting 5th, have made a quick start to the campaign that keeps the title-chase pulse alive.
The contrast in points tallies has no bearing on this game, however, as Malaga are in mixed form (W1, D2, L2) and they have yet to notch their first away win in the new campaign (D0, L1).
Juan Funes' men are set up compactly in a 4-2-3-1, which allows them to sit deep in a mid-block system, although they can spring counter-attacking moves with real pace when they get a foothold in the game.
Madrid to maintain momentum
Los Blancos are also in a 4-2-3-1 formation, although José Mourinho has them set up in a slightly more pragmatic fashion. The Portuguese tactician has his men pressing the ball with real conviction and doing real damage on the transitions, with speedy Carlos Espi (1 goal in 1 appearance in LaLiga 2026/2027) the sharpest edge to Madrid's attack.
The hosts have a 4-game winning streak, although we think they'll get back to winning ways on Sunday.
Real Madrid are the 1.17 favourites for this clash, so any value lies in the draw at 6.4, although we simply can't give an edge to Malaga after they conceded 2 goals in their first and only away trip of the campaign. We're not willing to give Madrid that comfortable a win, but we do think they'll take the points.
Over 2.5 goals at 1.42 makes sense for Los Blancos' attacking edge, but Both Teams To Score - No at 1.75 is also a big fit for Mourinho's men running the show at Estadio Bernabeu.
