There are many fascinating aspects to this Málaga vs. Sporting clash. Juanfran Funes’ side desperately need a victory to solidify their playoff spot, facing a Sporting team that finds itself in no-man’s land after their recent defeat to Ceuta. With an eye already on the future, Sporting’s first major decision has been to announce that Borja Jiménez will not continue as head coach, despite having a contract until 2027. He will finish the season and then depart.
This match also pits together the two teams in the division with the most academy graduates in their squads (excluding the exceptional case of Sanse, Real Sociedad’s reserve team). Málaga’s youth products include Carlos López, Rafita, Murillo, Recio, Dani Sánchez, David Larrubia, Dani Lorenzo, Izan Merino, Haitam, Moussa, Rafa Rodríguez, Chupe, Aarón Ochoa, and Ramón Enríquez. A total of 14 players, with Arriaza and Juani also having a chance to make the squad.
Málaga’s 14 academy players. — Paco Rodríguez
Sporting’s ‘Made in Mareo’ products are also impressive: Cristian Joel, Guille Rosas, Diego Sánchez, Pablo García, Nacho Martín, Gaspar Campos, Dani Queipo, Manu Rodríguez, and Amadou — nine in total. Historically, this is one of Spain’s best youth academies, having produced top-class footballers across all eras.
Last week’s triumph in Eibar reignited Málaga, who had suffered two consecutive defeats and slipped out of the top six for the first time in 16 matchdays. Now they are back in control of their own destiny, though they know direct promotion is almost a fantasy. They would need to win all four remaining games to reach 75 points. This season’s average points tally seems likely to be higher, and 70 points may not even be enough to finish sixth.
Borja Jiménez won’t make it to 2027. — Paco Paredes
**A Battle of Full Houses**
La Rosaleda will once again present a sensational atmosphere, taking on the challenge of surpassing the 28,954 spectators who watched Deportivo vs. Leganés at Riazor – the best attendance in the Segunda División this season. Deportivo and Málaga are locked in an exciting contest for the highest home crowds.
For this crucial fixture, Funes may make some adjustments to the team that brought back three points from Ipurua. Montero could start as the left-sided center-back, replacing Galilea. Another possible change is in attack, with Chupe partnering Niño to form a “baby bottle” strike force. Niño also has a chance to lead the line as a reference point, giving the Cordoba-born player a rest after he finished the previous match “with an ankle like a boot,” according to the coach. The manager also confirmed that Dani Lorenzo could return to the squad after recovering from injury. Niño is the player with the most goals from the bench among the top five leagues in Europe, with five.
**Borja Earthquake**
Sporting arrive in Málaga amid turbulence caused by the announcement that Borja Jiménez’s contract will be terminated at the end of the season. The decision not to extend his stay for another year, as had been indicated when he replaced Asier Garitano, once again puts Sporting’s sporting management and credibility under the spotlight.
With this backdrop, the Gijón side come to La Rosaleda with little more than pride at stake, seeking a win to improve their final league position. Borja Jiménez wants to leave Sporting as high up the table as possible, and for that, he must first motivate his players to achieve it. On this occasion, he will again be without Brian Oliván, as well as the injured Queipo from last week, and the known absentees Nacho Martín, Andrés Ferrari, and Mamadou Loum.
