Málaga are back in LaLiga: the third promotion is already claimed and several standout names

Málaga Club de Fútbol

Málaga will accompany Racing de Santander and Deportivo de La Coruña in the top flight, the two teams that earned direct promotion. Martiricos are back among the elite with a recognizable project, a passionate fanbase fully behind the team, and several players who have stepped up throughout the season.

A promotion stamped with academy roots and plenty of character

Málaga’s success can’t be explained solely by the playoff. The team has built a very clear identity over the course of the campaign: intensity, solidarity, bravery on the ball, and an enormous ability to compete in matches with the highest demands. In decisive moments, the group responded with personality and overcame opponents of a very high level.

One of the biggest merits of the promotion is the weight of the academy. Players developed at the club have played a starring role, not only as rotation options, but also as decisive performers. The final against Almería was the best example: Chupe opened the path and Larrubia extended the advantage to bring Málaga closer to Primera.

Chupe, the goalscorer who changed the season

Chupe has been Málaga’s main attacking name. The forward has delivered a season of huge impact, becoming the team’s leading goalscoring reference and one of the most decisive attackers in the division.

His goal in the playoff final perfectly sums up his importance: he appeared in the box, attacked the space, and struck at the exact moment his team needed it most. Chupe has been much more than a finisher. He has added depth, pinned back centre-backs, created advantages for his team-mates, and shown composure in the most pressurized settings.

Heading into next season in fantasy terms, he’ll be one of the names you’ll need to keep a close eye on. If he maintains a leading role in Primera, he could become an interesting option for his attacking output, his presence in the area, and his ability to rack up points with goals.

David Larrubia, a standout talent for Primera

David Larrubia has been another of the standout players in the promotion. The winger has brought unpredictability, pace, audacity, and an enormous ability to break games open from the flank. His season has confirmed that he’s ready to take on major responsibilities.

In the playoff, he elevated his profile even further. He scored in the tie against Las Palmas and was again decisive in the final against Almería with the 0-2 goal. In matches where the margin for error was minimal, Larrubia responded the way important players do: showing up at the key moment.

His profile could fit very well in LaLiga EA Sports. He’s a direct player, strong in one-on-ones, and capable of creating chances. In Comunio and other fantasy games, he’ll be an attractive option if he manages to keep his place in the starting XI.

Alfonso Herrero, security between the posts

Every promotion needs a reliable goalkeeper, and Málaga have had Alfonso Herrero. His consistency has been one of the foundations of the team throughout the entire season. He has given the side confidence, kept the group steady during difficult stretches, and produced performances worthy of plenty of praise.

Herrero has been important not only for his saves, but also for his leadership from behind. In tight knockout ties like those in the playoff, having a reliable keeper makes a difference. Málaga have known how to compete in matches of maximum tension, and his role there has been crucial.

In fantasy terms, goalkeepers at newly promoted clubs usually have a lot of work to do. That could make Alfonso Herrero an interesting option if Málaga keeps a competitive core and he retains his starting spot.

Joaquín Muñoz, work rate, arrival, and important goals

Joaquín Muñoz has been another key player on the road to Primera. His season has been defined by consistency, effort, and the ability to show up in decisive areas. He hasn’t always had as many headlines as Chupe or Larrubia, but his contribution has been hugely important.

His goal against Las Palmas in the semi-finals allowed Málaga to keep going in the playoff and confirmed his value in big matches. Joaquín Muñoz brings mobility, an attacking presence from second line, good striking, and defensive commitment—qualities highly valued in a team that has made the collective block its greatest strength.

Adrián Niño, a very useful attacking alternative

Málaga have also found an important attacking route in Adrián Niño. His contribution has helped the team not rely solely on Chupe in the attacking zone. He has offered solutions in different match contexts and has given depth to the squad.

His role in Primera will depend on the club’s sporting planning during the transfer window, but his season places him among the names to watch within the blanquiazul group. For a newly promoted side, having multiple attacking threats can be key to competing.

Izan Merino and Diego Murillo, balance to keep the team going

Málaga’s promotion has also been built on order and balance. Players like Izan Merino and Diego Murillo have been fundamental in giving the team consistency. Not all the spotlight goes to goals, but without footballers capable of holding down the midfield and the defensive structure, a promotion at this level would be impossible.

Málaga have managed to blend youth, physicality, quality, and collective commitment. That combination has allowed the team to compete in very demanding scenarios and reach the final stretch of the season with the confidence needed to get through the playoff.

What Málaga can bring to LaLiga

Málaga’s return to the top flight is great news for LaLiga. A historic club is back, with top-tier fans and a city that has been waiting for this moment for years. La Rosaleda will once again host big nights in the highest division, and the team arrives with a very interesting competitive base.

Next season will be demanding. The step up always forces clubs to strengthen the squad, adjust roles, and raise the competitive level. Even so, Málaga have shown they have a clear identity and several players ready to fight for a place in Primera.

Málaga players to follow in fantasy

In Comunio, Biwenger, Fantasy LaLiga, and other fantasy games, there are several names worth noting from now:

• Chupe: the team’s goalscoring reference and a player with the ability to score points through goals.
• David Larrubia: a disruptive winger, with flair, goals, and an attacking role.
• Alfonso Herrero: a reliable goalkeeper, with the potential for a high number of saves in Primera.
• Joaquín Muñoz: a hard-working player, with attacking arrival and the ability to show up in important matches.
• Adrián Niño: an interesting attacking alternative if he keeps his minutes and role.
• Izan Merino: a young and competitive profile to bring balance to the team.

Málaga are back in LaLiga, and they do so with more than enough reasons to get fans excited. Survival will be the big objective, but the promotion has made it clear that this team has character, talent, and a fanbase ready to push from day one.