To the well and back - how Malaga returned to La Liga

The story of Malaga's return to La Liga is one of resilience and determination. After a decade-long decline, the Andalusian club found themselves at the bottom of the third tier in 2023. However, a group of young players and an unwavering fanbase refused to give up on the "los boquerones," the small fish.

In 2010, Qatari Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani took control of the club, transforming it from a second-tier team into a European contender. With the help of manager Manuel Pellegrini and star players like Santi Cazorla and Isco, Malaga looked set to become a force in Spanish football. However, Pellegrini's departure in 2013 and the subsequent signing of promising young player Isco led to a decline that saw Malaga banned from the Europa League for financial irregularities and eventually relegated to the third division in 2018.

Despite the club's dire financial situation, former teacher Juan Francisco Funes was hired as new manager. Drawing from his teaching experience, Funes used historical quotes, films, and a personal connection to many of the younger players to motivate and guide the team. This unique approach paid off, as Malaga turned their fortunes around, finishing fourth in the 2024-25 season and clinching a place in the play-off final against Almeria.

With a small budget and limited resources, the 2025-26 season presented a challenging test for Malaga. However, the team's strong foundation and the passion of their fans proved to be a powerful combination. Despite the odds, Malaga managed to secure a spot in La Liga once again, igniting the city's love for football once more.