Real Madrid have hit their stride and await the league newcomers: Real Madrid vs Malaga prediction
The third-round La Liga match between Real Madrid and Malaga will take place on 30 August at the Santiago Bernabeu. Jose Mourinho's side have won both of their opening matches and sit second, while newly promoted Malaga have collected just one point so far.
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Real Madrid: perfect start and Mbappe hat-trick
Mourinho's second spell in Madrid has begun with two victories. Real first edged past Espanyol 2-1 with a late push before producing a much more convincing display against Real Sociedad, winning 4-1.
Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in the second round, while Vinicius Junior added the other goal. Their home record provides another advantage: Real have lost just one La Liga match at the Bernabeu in 2026.
Malaga: difficult return to the top flight
After an eight-year absence, Malaga returned to La Liga through the Segunda Division play-offs, where they overcame Almeria in the decisive tie. Their start back among the elite has been predictably difficult, with a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid followed by a 1-1 draw against fellow newcomers Deportivo.
Juan Funes' side now face their toughest test of the season so far. History offers little encouragement either: Malaga are winless in their last 11 meetings with Real Madrid, losing nine of them.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Real Madrid have won both of their opening La Liga matches.
- Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in the victory over Real Sociedad.
- Malaga are without a win against Real Madrid in 11 consecutive head-to-head meetings.
The hosts' quality should decide everything: Real Madrid vs Malaga prediction
Malaga are still adapting to the level of La Liga, and a trip to the Bernabeu at this stage looks like an extremely difficult challenge. Given Mbappe's form and the overall quality of the hosts' attack, maintaining parity throughout the match will not be easy.
Real have already found a strong rhythm and usually play with even greater aggression at home. If Madrid convert their chances without being wasteful, they could secure a fairly comfortable victory.
