Malaga 1-3 Villarreal: result and AI prediction

Malaga – Villarreal, La Liga, Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 08:30 PM (GMT). Venue: La Rosaleda

Malaga is #18 in the table (3 pts) and Villarreal #19 (2 pts). Malaga has not won any of its last 5 matches. Villarreal has not won any of its last 5 matches. Last 6 head-to-head meetings: Malaga 1, draws 1, Villarreal 4. Their last meeting, on April 1, 2018, ended Malaga 1-0 Villarreal. Absent for Malaga: M. Diarra, J. Lobete, D. Murillo +2.

Malaga

Final score1 - 3

Villarreal

AI predicted: 1-2 · Final score: 1-3✓ Correct outcome

AI confidence: Medium

AI match recap

This is an early-season pressure match between two sides still searching for a first league win. Málaga have home backing and some returning options, but their injury-hit defensive unit faces a Villarreal attack with more established individual quality. Villarreal’s recent defensive errors and congested schedule keep the contest open, especially if Málaga can turn transitions into deliveries for Chupete. The visitors’ ability to control midfield turnovers and supply Gerard Moreno is the clearest route to taking command.

Injuries and absences

Málaga’s cluster of absences most affects defensive depth and Funes’ ability to change shape during the match, while Calero’s availability is particularly important for aerial protection. Villarreal miss Foyth’s leadership and recovery pace in defence, but retain far more continuity elsewhere in the squad.

Form (last 5)

MalagaLeague position #18 · 3 ptsL D D

VillarrealLeague position #19 · 2 ptsL L L

Malaga vs Villarreal stats

	Malaga	Villarreal
Played	5	5
Goals scored	2	7
Goals conceded	8	10
Clean sheets	1	0

Last meetings

2018-04-01Malaga 1-0 Villarreal
2017-11-05Villarreal 2-0 Malaga
2017-02-12Villarreal 1-1 Malaga
2016-09-10Malaga 0-2 Villarreal
2016-02-13Villarreal 1-0 Malaga
2015-09-23Malaga 0-1 Villarreal

Unavailable players