Having secured fourth place, the 2025‑26 campaign culminated in a play‑off final against Almería.
Málaga operated with one of the league’s smallest budgets, having allocated only £325,000 to permanent transfers since 2020, whereas Almería invested over £10 million during the same season.
Following a goalless draw at home in the first leg, hundreds of supporters lined the motorway bridges leaving the city to cheer the team en route to Almería.
This scene epitomised the deep connection cultivated between the squad and its supporters in recent seasons, a bond that has become routine, with fans often greeting the team bus at the stadium with flags and pyrotechnics.
The club’s Fondo Sur ultras adopted a chant borrowed from the Moroccan ultra scene, “Es la Vida Loca” – the Crazy Life – which became the season’s anthem.
Málaga’s average attendance last term ranked eleventh highest nationally, yet only a few hundred tickets were allocated for the match in Almería.
When Chupe opened the scoring and Larrubia added a brilliant second, the entire fanbase erupted; kit manufacturer Hummel commemorated the occasion by incorporating the names of all 26,550 season‑ticket holders into a special one‑off strip.
The 2‑1 triumph ignited widespread celebrations; after a weekend of festivities, an estimated 185,000 supporters lined the streets to welcome the team in a triumphant procession.
“It was a once‑in‑a‑generation moment,” says Fernandez. “A whole generation grew up after the club’s Champions League days, knowing only financial turmoil, sporting disappointment, and uncertainty about the team they love.”
After a second night of celebrations, several players posted on social media, challenging fans to meet them at 07:00 on Monday at a western suburb roundabout; hundreds answered the call.
“That connection between the squad and the supporters was a defining feature of the campaign,” adds Fernandez. “It created a feeling that everyone, from the dressing room to the city streets, was pulling in the same direction.”
Given their financial constraints, Málaga’s preparations for competing in the top flight have been understated.
Key players have renewed their contracts, and sporting director Loren Juarros has secured several shrewd loan acquisitions.
Promotion hero Carlos Dotor rejoined on loan from Celta Vigo, while the club invested £256,000 to secure winger Juan Cruz on loan from Leganés.
Málaga supporters acknowledge that their side is among the favourites for relegation.
They open their campaign with daunting away fixtures against Atlético Madrid (Wednesday, 20:00 BST) and Real Madrid; having endured so much, such challenges should not deter them.
“Málaga’s story is beautifully convoluted, replete with plot twists and an enchanting finale,” says Sabatel.
“From now on, we can only savour it,” remarks Sabatel.