Atletico Madrid host Malaga in La Liga season opener at the Metropolitano
Atletico Madrid open their La Liga season against Malaga at the Metropolitano Stadium on 19 August 2026, with kick-off set for 19:00 UTC. The fixture marks matchday one of the new campaign, pitting two sides with contrasting recent trajectories against each other.
Form and momentum
Atletico Madrid arrive on the back of a mixed run of results, having won three of their last five matches but also suffering two defeats in that spell. Malaga, by contrast, have shown steadier consistency, picking up two wins and two draws alongside a single loss in their last five outings, though Atletico's tally of victories edges theirs slightly.
A history of Atletico dominance
The two sides have met five times previously, and Atletico Madrid have won every single one of those encounters. The most recent meeting, in February 2018, saw Atletico win 1-0 away at Malaga, while their heaviest victory came in October 2016, a 4-2 success at the Metropolitano. Two further 1-0 and 2-0 wins complete a record that shows Malaga have yet to take anything from this fixture in the seasons covered.
With the new La Liga season just getting under way, this opening fixture offers both clubs an early opportunity to set the tone. Atletico Madrid will look to continue their historical superiority over Malaga, while the visitors will hope their recent stability can help them finally trouble a side that has never lost to them.