Final

These two have already played to a goalless draw once this season—but the rematch vibes feel different. With Málaga missing key attacking depth and Almería riding some recent momentum at home, expect a bit more adventure this time around. 🔥

Almería are 2W-2D-1L over their last five and just edged past Castellón 3-2 at the Estadio de Almería. Málaga remain unbeaten in their last five (2W-3D) but that injury list—Á. Pastor and L. Sanchez both out—leaves them thinner in the final third.

Key storylines:

• Almería's home form vs a Málaga side missing attacking reinforcements should tilt the balance slightly toward the hosts despite the model's away lean
• Thalys and P. Soko leading Almería's press up top will need to capitalize on Málaga's defensive reshuffling
• Chupete and A. Niño carrying Málaga's creative load without their usual support cast

Expected lineups:

• Almería: A. Fernández, R. Ely, Á. Muñoz, F. Bonini, D. Chirino, S. Arribas, A. Embarba, M. d. l. Fuente, S. Džodić, Thalys, P. Soko
• Málaga CF: A. Herrero, C. Puga, R. Garrido, D. Murillo, E. Galilea, J. Muñoz, D. Larrubia, Chupete, C. Dotor, I. Merino, A. Niño

Best picks:

• Total Goals 1.5: Over 1.5 goals

Prediction:

Almería 2–1 Málaga CF. Slight home edge despite the model's away lean—injuries bite harder than expected. ⚽