Can Levante punish Málaga’s difficult start? Prediction for Málaga vs Levante - 06.09.2026
On Sunday, September 6, Málaga CF host Levante UD at La Rosaleda in matchday 4 of LaLiga EA Sports. The newly promoted hosts are still searching for their first league victory, while Levante travel to Andalusia with considerably more confidence after producing one of the most eye-catching results of the previous round. The match kicks off at 18:30 local time.
Málaga: the return to LaLiga has been unforgiving
Málaga’s first three matches have clearly shown how difficult the transition to the top flight can be. Juanfran Funes’ team began with a 0-2 defeat away to Atlético Madrid, then earned their first point with a 1-1 home draw against Deportivo, before suffering a heavy 0-4 loss to Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. As a result, Málaga sit at the bottom end of the table with one point, having scored just once and conceded seven goals.
The scoreline in Madrid was severe, although Málaga did have some promising moments. Joaquín and Rafa Rodríguez both went close before the break, while David Larrubia was involved regularly in the attacking phases. The major problem remains efficiency: Málaga have produced only 21 shots through three league matches and have found the net just once. Against opponents who defend compactly, they have so far struggled to turn possession into high-quality chances.
There has at least been positive personnel news. Dani Lorenzo returned to full group training after recovering from a fever and should again be available. However, Niño, Aarón Ochoa, Fernando Calero, Murillo and Moussa were still working separately from the main group at the start of the week as they continued their respective recovery programmes.
Levante: a five-goal response after a slow opening
Levante’s start has been far more uneven than their latest result might suggest. Luís Castro’s team opened the campaign with a 0-3 defeat away to Espanyol and then played out a goalless draw at Osasuna. That meant the Granotas travelled twice without scoring, but everything changed in their first home match.
Against Real Betis, Levante produced a superb attacking display to win 5-2. Dela opened the scoring, Enzo Bardeli struck before half-time, Roger Brugué scored twice after the break and Jon Ander Olasagasti completed the rout in stoppage time. Levante twice allowed Betis to equalise before eventually taking control of the game, an important sign of the team’s ability to respond under pressure.
The structure used against Betis was based around a compact midfield and rapid attacks after recovering possession. Iván Romero led the line, while Brugué, Bardeli and Thiago Fernández provided movement behind him. The summer squad has also been reinforced further, with Levante completing eleven additions in total and recently bringing in forward Petar Ratkov on loan from Lazio.
Probable lineups
- Málaga CF: Alfonso Herrero; Carlos Puga, Ángel Recio, Einar Galilea, Rafita; David Larrubia, Izan Merino, Dani Lorenzo, Joaquín Muñoz; Carlos Dotor, Chupe.
- Levante UD: Mathew Ryan; Nacho Pérez, Adrián de la Fuente, Aïssa Mandi, Manu Sánchez; Oriol Rey; Roger Brugué, Enzo Bardeli, Jon Ander Olasagasti, Thiago Fernández; Iván Romero.
Match facts and head-to-head
Málaga have collected only one point from their opening three league matches and have scored only one goal. Levante have four points and a 5:5 goal difference after three rounds. The visitors have yet to score in an away league match this season, losing 0-3 at Espanyol and drawing 0-0 at Osasuna. Málaga, meanwhile, drew their only previous home fixture 1-1 with Deportivo.
Recent head-to-head numbers also slightly favor Levante. According to the official Málaga match centre, the four meetings recorded since 2022 have brought two Levante victories and two draws, including a 1-1 draw at La Rosaleda in their most recent meeting there.
Expect a much tighter game than Levante’s seven-goal thriller
Levante’s 5-2 win over Betis naturally attracts attention, but their first two away performances provide a very different picture. Castro’s side failed to score in either trip and appear more comfortable playing patiently without taking unnecessary risks away from the Ciutat de València.
Málaga have an even stronger reason to avoid an open contest. After conceding six goals across visits to Atlético and Real Madrid, Funes should prioritise defensive stability at La Rosaleda. At the same time, the hosts have scored just once in three matches, so there is little evidence yet that they can consistently create enough chances to turn this into a high-scoring encounter.
Levante possess the greater attacking confidence, but Málaga’s home advantage and urgent need for points should make the hosts far more cautious than they were during difficult trips to Madrid. A tactical game with long spells of midfield play looks more likely than another shootout.
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals.
