Atletico Madrid and Malaga unveil starting lineups for LaLiga 2026-27 opener
Atletico Madrid and Malaga have confirmed their starting lineups for their LaLiga 2026-27 season opener at Estadio Metropolitano. Atletico, bolstered by summer signings, face a promoted Malaga side aiming to make an impact in their return to the top flight.
Atletico Madrid will kick off their LaLiga 2026-27 campaign against newly promoted Malaga at Estadio Metropolitano on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The match marks the start of Matchday 1, with Atletico looking to bounce back from a disappointing fourth-place finish last season. The Rojiblancos have strengthened their squad with key signings, including Kang-In Lee and Cristian Romero, while retaining Julian Alvarez despite his lack of match fitness.
Malaga, returning to LaLiga after an eight-year absence, secured promotion via a fourth-place finish in the second division. Though considered underdogs, they bring young talent like 21-year-old striker Chupe to the pitch.
Atletico Madrid lineup
Diego Simeone’s side will field a strong starting XI, with Jan Oblak in goal and a mix of experienced and new faces in defense and midfield. The attack will be led by Carlos Martin and Ademola Lookman.
| Position | Starting XI | Bench |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Jan Oblak | Juan Musso |
| Defenders | Dani Martínez, Robin Le Normand, Jorge Domínguez, David Hancko, Arnau Ortiz | Jose Maria Gimenez, Johnny Cardoso, Alex Grimaldo, Jorge Castillo |
| Midfielders | Koke, Rodrigo Mendoza, Pablo Barrios | Lee Kang-in, Alex Baena, Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Morten Hjulmand |
| Forwards | Carlos Martin, Ademola Lookman | Guiliano Simeone, Miguel Cubo |
Malaga lineup
Malaga’s lineup features a blend of youth and experience, with Alfonso Herrero in goal and young striker Chupe leading the attack.
| Position | Starting XI | Bench |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Alfonso Herrero | Carlos Lopez |
| Defenders | Carlos Puga, Angel Recio, Einar Galilea, Garrido | Alex Pastor, Ramon Enriquez, Rafa Rodriguez |
| Midfielders | Dani Lorenzo, Izan Merino, Carlos Dotor | Eneko Jauregi, Jose Salinas, Juan Cruz |
| Forwards | David Larrubia, Chupe, Joaquin Munoz | Haitam Abaida, Julen Lobete, Joseph Otu, Juani |
Match details
The match will take place at Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 AM IST on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in India. Atletico Madrid, with their reinforced squad, will aim to start the season strongly, while Malaga seeks to make a statement in their return to the top flight.
