Real Madrid face Málaga at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, August 30, in the third matchday of the 2026-27 LaLiga season. Madrid entered the fixture with six points from their opening two league games and are aiming for a third consecutive victory.
The home side started the campaign with victories over Espanyol and Real Sociedad. Kylian Mbappé has been one of the early stars, already scoring three league goals, including a hat-trick against Real Sociedad.
Manager José Mourinho has made several changes to his starting lineup because of the demanding schedule. Thibaut Courtois remains in goal, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella form the defensive line. Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga start in midfield, with Jude Bellingham, Brahim Díaz, Vinícius Jr. and Mbappé leading the attack.
Málaga, meanwhile, returned to the Spanish top flight after nine seasons. The visitors began the campaign with a defeat against Atlético Madrid before drawing with Deportivo. They started matchday three in 16th place with one point.
The match is attracting significant attention from football fans as Real Madrid look to maintain their perfect start and Málaga attempt to produce a major upset at the Bernabéu.
