“Roberto is in a state of grace. Practically every ball he has touched, almost every shot, has turned into a goal,” Málaga coach Juanfran Funes said ahead of the fixture, as reported by Diario AS.
Málaga enters the match bottom of the league table with three points from seven matches, while Espanyol sits fifteenth with seven points, according to coverage from Marca and Mundo Deportivo.
Lineup Changes and the Tactical Sorpasso in Goal
Espanyol manager Manolo González made six changes to his starting eleven following a 3–1 defeat to Elche before the international break, Mundo Deportivo reported. Most notably, the coach opted for a tactical change in goal, handing an alternative start to youth product Àngel Fortuño over Marko Dmitrovic. Omar El Hilali returns at right-back after serving a suspension, alongside incoming starters Clemens Riedel, ‘Q’ Hartman, Pol Lozano, and Tyrhys Dolan who replace Unai Nuñez, Roger Hinojo, Urko González de Zárate, and Àlex Calatrava.
The visiting side is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Fortuño in goal; El Hilali, Riedel, Cabrera, and Hartman across the backline; Pol Lozano and Edu Expósito in central midfield; with Dolan, Javi Hernández, and Bryan Zaragoza supporting Roberto Fernández in attack. Fernández returns to the stadium where he launched his professional career shortly after earning his first senior cap for the Spain national team, as detailed by Mundo Deportivo.
Málaga Seeks First Win Under Funes After Difficult Start
Málaga enters the contest searching for its first victory of the league campaign after managing three draws and four defeats in its opening seven fixtures. Funes stated that the recent international break proved beneficial for the squad, allowing players to accumulate minutes in training matches against Antequera and Córdoba and making necessary tactical adjustments.
Málaga’s confirmed starting lineup features Alfonso Herrero in goal; Puga, Calero, Recio, and Rafita in defense; Rafa Rodríguez and Pablo Martínez in midfield; with Larrubia, Dani Lorenzo, Joaquín, and Chupete completing the attacking structure, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Javi Puado and Adam return to their squads
Marca reported that Javi Puado returns to the Espanyol matchday squad after recovering from a long-term injury, providing a significant boost to the Catalan club’s attacking options. For Málaga, Funes confirmed that defender Adam is included in the squad list and available for selection, while midfielder Cajuste continues the final stage of his recovery from a minor injury.
While external commentary has focused heavily on the goalscoring form of Espanyol forward Roberto Fernández, Funes emphasized that the visitors possess multiple tactical threats beyond their central striker. Funes noted that midfielders Edu Expósito and Javi Hernández excel at dominating both wide crossing channels and central spaces, making Espanyol a side capable of controlling the penalty area without needing to generate an excessive volume of chances.
Where is the match being played and what time does it start?
What are the respective league positions of Málaga and Espanyol entering this fixture?
Málaga occupies the last position in the LaLiga EA Sports standings with three points from seven games, while Espanyol sits in fifteenth place with seven points.
Which players return to contention for both clubs ahead of this round?
Espanyol welcomes back Javi Puado following a prolonged injury absence alongside right-back Omar El Hilali from suspension, while Málaga includes Adam in its matchday squad.
