Málaga seek first win, as Levante’s Castro calls side on performance.

Málaga CF vs Levante UD begins at 17:30 [GMT+1] on Sunday, September 6, at La Rosaleda. It has been a difficult return to the top flight for Málaga, who have collected just one point from their opening three matches, with their defeats coming against the two big-hitting Madrid clubs [4-0 vs Real Madrid and 2-0 vs Atlético Madrid]. While that offers some mitigation, their failure to win any of their first three games means this is now the fourth consecutive top-flight campaign in which they have started without a victory. On each of the previous three occasions, they also failed to win their fourth fixture, making this a potentially nervy occasion. Their home record offers little encouragement either, as they have managed just two victories across their last 14 top-flight home matches [2W, 3D, 9L]. They do, however, hold the historical edge in this fixture, winning 10 of 22 previous meetings [10W, 4D, 8L], although Levante have dominated the more recent encounters with three wins and three draws [3W, 3D, 0L]. There are fitness concerns for Juan Francisco Funes’ side, as Moussa Diarra, Adrián Niño and Adrian Nino are all doubts for the hosts, while Aaron Ochoa and Diego Murillo have been ruled out through injury. The pair of Carlos Dotor and Chupete are expected on the frontline in a 4—4—2 pattern against the visitors.

Levante endured a similarly underwhelming start before producing a statement victory last time out, scoring five goals in a 5-2 triumph over Real Betis. Having failed to score in either of their first two games, the attacking explosion could provide a timely confidence boost as they attempt to secure their first away win of the campaign. That task is easier said than done, though. Luís Castro’s men won only four of their 19 away league matches in their first season back in the top flight last term [4W, 4D, 11L]. The Frogs have also managed just one victory in their last 11 road league outings since winning their first away game of 2026, recording three draws and seven defeats thereafter [1W, 3D, 7L]. Ahead of this fixture, Castro warned his players to be at their best, saying, “Our match is important for them, and we have to know that in this game, if we are not at one hundred per cent, we are going to have a hard time.” Alejandro Primo could also miss out as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury. Iván Romero may be seen at the attacking end of a 4—1—4—1 pattern against Málaga.