Looking to extend on their stellar start to the 2026/27 campaign, Real Madrid will welcome Malaga to the Spanish capital on Sunday afternoon.

With a stacked schedule from across the continent this weekend, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available.

Verdict: Vinicius Junior to score anytime

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: BetUS

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, while many might have been shocked over the summer following Jose Mourinho’s blockbuster return to the Spanish capital, Real Madrid are certainly enjoying life under the former Manchester United boss. Opening proceedings with a last-gasp 2-1 victory away at Espanyol last weekend, Los Blancos find the mood in their camp at a real high. Laying down a major marker on Wednesday night as they stormed their way to a dominant 4-1 romp at home against Real Sociedad, Mourinho will be demanding a repeat performance here. With their sights fixed on recapturing their La Liga crown this season, Sunday’s hosts have been handed a golden opportunity. Likewise, the Spanish heavyweights have suffered just a sole domestic defeat at the Bernabeu so far this calendar year.

Real Madrid Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Real Madrid will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militia and Brazilian marksman Rodrygo this weekend.

Opening his La Liga account with a sensational hat-trick during Wednesday’s thumping 4-1 victory against Real Sociedad, French skipper Kylian Mbappe will spearhead Los Blancos’ charge. Likewise, also bagging a maiden domestic strike in midweek, Vinicius Junior will partner Mbappe in the final third.

Malaga

As for the visitors, while Malaga might have made their La Liga return this season, it is no secret that the Los Albicelestes are almost universally regarded as a standout relegation candidate this time around. Opening the 2026/27 campaign with a routine 2-0 defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid on August 19th, Juan Francisco Funes’ men will be bracing themselves for another monumental challenge when they return to the Spanish capital this weekend. Hit with a 2-1 defeat when they last met Los Blancos for a La Liga showdown back in April 2018, Malaga couldn’t have asked for a tougher examination here. In fact, Funes’ side have lost all of their last four consecutive matchups against the 15-time European champions by an aggregate score of 9-4.

Malaga Team News

Despite completing a permanent switch to Andalusia this summer after leaving Espanyol, Fernando Calero remains on the sidelines with a rib injury and will not make his Malaga debut on Sunday afternoon.

Bagging the equaliser against Deportivo La Coruna on Monday night and opening his La Liga account, academy graduate Chupe will lead the line here. Completing a season-long loan switch from Celta Vigo this summer, former Real Madrid youngster Carlos Doctor will start in the middle of the park.

Real Madrid vs Malaga Key Factors to Consider

• When Real Madrid and Malaga last met for a La Liga showdown back in April 2018, Los Blancos claimed a 2-1 victory in Andalusia.
• In fact, the Spanish icons have won all of their previous four meetings against Sunday’s guests by an aggregate score of 9-4.
• Real Madrid are one of just three clubs who can boast a 100% start to the 2016/27 campaign.
• Claiming Spain’s Golden Boot last season, French superstar Kylian Mbappe notched 25 La Liga goals in his 31 top-flight appearances.
• Malaga have never recorded a single competitive victory at the Bernabeu.

Conclusion

Putting in a dominant display on Wednesday night as they stormed their way to a dominant 4-1 victory against Real Sociedad, Madrid will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. One of just three clubs who can boast a 100% start to the 2026/27 campaign, Mourinho’s all-star attack will be smelling the chance to make another public statement on Sunday afternoon. With their sights fixed on recapturing their La Liga crown this season, it is no surprise why the 15-time European champions are installed as a landslide contender in the Spanish capital.

Verdict: Vinicius Junior to score anytime

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: BetUS