Málaga looks to home matches for a response

Málaga is preparing to return to competition with the aim of responding on home soil. After a lengthy international break, Funes’s team will be back in action against Espanyol in a demanding contest. The club then has two matches at home, with its first win still elusive after the opening seven rounds of its return to Primera division.

To maintain competitive sharpness during the break, Málaga played two friendlies: it thrashed Antequera, of Primera RFEF, 0-6 before losing 3-2 to Córdoba. Its most recent competitive match ended in a 1-0 defeat to Getafe, adding weight to the challenge of the return.

Espanyol will begin the home run. Real Sociedad comes next, between the two matches in front of Málaga’s supporters, and will also have a European fixture to play. Funes has also regained some players for this important spell.

A Málaga attacking midfielder summed up the aim: “We know we have two matches at home and want to take as many points as possible. We want to start making La Rosaleda a fortress, for the crowd to catch the positive energy and, from there, take as many points as possible.” In Málaga, supporters have already shown they are ready to back the team as it seeks a response.