Malaga CF vs Real Sociedad 18 October 2026 Prediction

Málaga are the only team in La Liga without a win after eight rounds. They sit last in the table and have struggled to score. Next up is a home match against Real Sociedad, who are in the top half but return from a midweek Europa League trip.

Málaga Struggles to Create Chances

Life back in the top flight has been difficult for Juan Funes’s side. Málaga have drawn four and lost four of their eight matches, scoring just four goals. That is the lowest total in La Liga and a major reason they sit last. Finishing is not their only problem: they have generated less than 1 expected goal (xG) in each of their last four league games. Even when they limit their opponents’ chances, they have not created enough to win.

Injuries have narrowed Funes’s options. Cruz, Lobete, and Ochoa are out, Murillo is questionable, and Cajuste is still regaining fitness after a muscle injury. The Swedish midfielder has missed the last three games, so he may not be ready for a full match. Málaga have earned three of their four points at La Rosaleda, giving them some reason for confidence at home.

Real Sociedad Faces a Tight Schedule

Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side have taken 13 points from eight league games and sit in the top half. Their defensive record is less convincing. Real Sociedad have conceded 18 goals this season and kept just one clean sheet in 10 matches across all competitions. They could give Málaga chances if those defensive issues persist.

The schedule and injuries add to Real Sociedad’s concerns. They drew 1-1 away to Belgium’s Union on Thursday in the Europa League, and Sunday’s game will be their third in eight days. With Aramburu and Odriozola injured, they may have to use either the recently recovered Fort or natural center back Zubeldia on the right side of defense. Marín is also suspended. Limited rotation could make it harder to address their defensive problems.

Málaga vs Real Sociedad Predicted Lineups

Málaga (4-2-3-1): Herrero; Rafita, Calero, Recio, Salinas; Dotor, P. Martín; Larrubia, Lorenzo, Muñoz; Chupe

Unavailable: Lobete, Ochoa, Cruz (injured); Murillo (questionable)

Manager: Juan Funes

Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Remiro; Fort, Sarr, J. Martín, S. Gómez; Herrera, Soler; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea; Óskarsson

Unavailable: Aramburu, Odriozola, Beitia (injured); P. Marín (suspended)

Manager: Pellegrino Matarazzo

Málaga vs Real Sociedad Prediction: Real Sociedad to Win at 2.17

Main pick: Real Sociedad’s only away losses this season have come against top-half sides Betis (0-1) and Real Madrid (1-4). They have beaten Elche and Valencia on the road, both by 3-2 scores. Málaga remain winless, and their only home game against a team competing for a European place ended in a 3-1 loss to Villarreal. The visitors have the stronger results against comparable opposition, so the pick is Real Sociedad to win at 2.17.

Goals pick: Four of Málaga’s last five La Liga games have finished with two goals or fewer. Real Sociedad’s busy schedule could also limit their attacking output. Each of the last three meetings between these teams produced no more than two goals. The additional pick is under 2.5 goals at 2.07.