After finishing fourth, the 2025-26 campaign came down to a play-off final with Almeria.
Working with one of the division’s smallest budgets, Malaga had spent only £325,000 on permanent signings since 2020, while Almeria exceeded £10m in that single season.
Following a 0-0 draw at home in the first leg, hundreds of supporters stood on motorway bridges to cheer the team coach as it left for Almeria.
Scenes like that reflected the powerful connection built between the squad and its supporters in recent years. Welcoming the team bus with flags and pyrotechnics became routine.
A chant embraced by the Fondo Sur ultras—borrowed from Morocco’s ultra scene—set the tone for the year: “Es la Vida Loca.”
Malaga’s average attendance ranked 11th nationally last season, yet only a few hundred away tickets were available for the decider.
When Chupe put Malaga ahead and Larrubia added a brilliant second, the entire fanbase felt part of it—kit supplier Hummel produced a one-off shirt featuring the names of all 26,550 season-ticket holders.
The 2-1 win triggered citywide celebrations. After festivities that lasted the weekend, around 185,000 people filled the streets to welcome the team home.
“It was a once-in-a-generation moment. Many younger fans had never seen Malaga in La Liga,” says Fernandez.
“For years after the Champions League era, a whole generation knew little besides financial strife, on-field letdowns, and uncertainty about the club’s future.”
After a second night of revelry, several players posted on social media inviting fans to meet them at 07:00 on Monday at a suburban roundabout—hundreds showed up.
“That bond between the squad and the supporters defined the season,” Fernandez adds. “It felt like everyone—from the dressing room to the streets—was pushing the same way.”
Given financial realities, Malaga’s top-flight build-up has been understated.
Key players have renewed, and sporting director Loren Juarros has landed shrewd loans.
Promotion hero Carlos Dotor returned from Celta Vigo on loan, and £256,000 secured a loan for winger Juan Cruz from Leganes.
Supporters know Malaga will be among the relegation favourites.
They begin with daunting away trips to Atletico Madrid (Wednesday, 20:00 BST) and Real Madrid, but after everything they’ve endured, they won’t be easily rattled.
“Malaga’s tale is wonderfully winding, full of twists with a magical conclusion,” says Sabatel. “From here, it’s all about enjoyment.”