Atletico Madrid to host Málaga at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in LaLiga opener on August 19

Atletico Madrid will open their LaLiga 2026-27 campaign against Málaga CF at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on August 19 in matchweek 1, with Los Colchoneros staging their first home game of the season.

Atletico arrive after a mixed pre-season, winning two of four friendlies, and face selection uncertainty as several players have not yet returned from the post-World Cup break; the club has also added new signings to its squad ahead of the season. Málaga, managed by Juan Francisco Funes, are returning to LaLiga and have delivered what the preview describes as decent displays in pre-season, though they will be the travelling side for this fixture.

Ademola Lookman, described in the preview as a 28-year-old Nigerian forward, produced a notable contribution in Atletico’s final warm-up fixture by providing a “sensational assist” against Marseille that helped his side level; the article says he will have a crucial role in Atletico’s final third and is capable of scoring. The preview also notes Atletico’s overall pre-season as underwhelming despite those individual contributions.

Málaga’s attacking option Chupe is identified as a 21-year-old Spanish striker who scored in the club’s final friendly against Fulham and was listed among the goalscorers; the preview states he can pose a constant threat to Atletico’s defence. The article records Málaga’s recent friendlies as evidence of their confidence ahead of the return to the top division.

Squad availability issues are detailed for both teams: Alexander Sorloth will not play for Atletico due to a muscle injury, while new signings Cristian Romero and Morten Hjulmand are not yet confirmed as part of the squad. For Málaga, Adrian Nino, Diego Murillo, Fernando Calero and Carlos Dotor are listed as injured and Aaron Ochoa is suspended.

The preview supplies the likely team lists as follows — Atletico: Oblak (GK); Llorente, Pubill, Le Normand, Hancko, Grimaldo; Cardoso, Koke, Barrios; Lee, Lookman — and Málaga: Herrero (GK); Puga, Recio, Galilea, Salinas; Lorenzo, Merino, Rodriguez; Larrubia, Chupe, Munoz. Broadcast details given in the article list Spain: Movistar, DAZN and Teledeporte, and USA: ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes.

The contest takes place at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on August 19, and the preview notes that the FanCode app and website can be used to view all the games live.