Málaga CF Lineup Shake-Up Leaves Three Players on Bench Against Almería

June 18, 2026 3 min read

Málaga CF dropped three established players from its starting lineup for Sunday's match against Almería, sparking immediate debate among supporters at La Rosaleda stadium. The club's technical staff announced the changes just 90 minutes before kickoff, a decision that caught many fans off guard on a rainy afternoon in southern Spain.

The Benched Trio

Veteran midfielder Joaquín, young striker Chupete, and midfielder Izan all began Sunday's match among the substitutes. The three players had featured prominently in recent league fixtures, with Joaquín having started the previous four consecutive games. Technical directorPepe Mel justified the selections in pre-match comments, suggesting the decisions reflected tactical considerations rather than fitness concerns.

Chupete, 21, had scored twice in his last three appearances. Joaquín, at 32 the most experienced player in the squad, has been a regular fixture since joining from Real Betis last summer. Izan has emerged as a key rotation piece following his promotion from the club's youth academy last January.

Málaga's Season Context

The club currently sits in the lower half of the Segunda División table with 34 points from 22 matches. Sunday's encounter against Almería represents one of several crucial fixtures in the coming weeks as the promotion race heats up. Almería entered the match three points ahead of Málaga in the standings, making the outcome particularly significant for both clubs' ambitions.

Matchday Atmosphere

Approximately 18,000 supporters filled La Rosaleda despite the poor weather conditions. Supporters' groups had organized banners criticizing recent performances, adding pressure on both players and staff. The benching of three recognizable names amplified the tension in the stadium's south stand, where the most vocal fans gather.

Almería's Approach

Visiting side Almería arrived in confident mood after winning two of their last three away fixtures. Manager Rubiales confirmed his starting eleven 75 minutes before kickoff, including the surprise inclusion of forward Lombato, who had missed the previous match through illness. Almería's compact defensive shape troubled Málaga throughout the first half, limiting clear scoring opportunities at home.

What Watchers Noticed

Football analysts covering the match noted the tactical shift implemented by Málaga's coaching staff. The team adopted a 4-3-3 formation rather than the 4-2-3-1 deployed in recent weeks, with new signing Bryan Gilbert starting in an advanced role. Gilbert, signed from Tenerife during the January transfer window, made his third consecutive start since joining the club.

Second Half Developments

Chupete entered the match at halftime, replacing forward Carlos after a tepid first-half display from the home attack. Joaquín remained on the bench throughout the full 90 minutes, a decision that drew audible criticism from sections of the crowd. Izan came on in the 68th minute, providing fresh energy in midfield as Málaga pressed for an equaliser after Almería took an early second-half lead.

Looking Ahead

Málaga faces a difficult run of fixtures in February, with consecutive away matches against top-six teams. The club's sporting director will hold a press conference on Wednesday to discuss transfer market plans, where questions about squad depth and the recent rotation policy are expected to dominate. Supporters groups have called for an open training session where fans can address concerns directly with technical staff.