Almeria host Malaga on 20/06/2026 at UD Almería Stadium, with kick off scheduled for 20:00 GBT+0 time. This is the second leg of the LaLiga2 playoff final, and the first match left everything open after a 0:0 draw in Malaga.
The official referee has not been publicly confirmed in the provided match data. This Almeria vs Malaga prediction 2026 is built around tension, game control and the price of one mistake. Almeria have home advantage and a slightly cleaner squad situation, while Malaga arrive unbeaten in eight matches and with enough defensive discipline to turn this into another long, narrow battle. For Almeria vs Malaga match prediction, Almeria vs Malaga betting tips, Almeria vs Malaga prediction today and Almeria vs Malaga odds, the strongest angle is a low scoring second leg rather than an open playoff final.
Almeria vs Malaga Last Matches
Almeria vs Malaga: Head to Head (H2H)
Almeria: Team News
Almeria are one game away from returning to the top flight, and the first leg gave them a strong tactical reference. Rubi’s side stayed compact, closed central passing lanes and limited Malaga to very little in open play. At home, they should have more ball and more territory, but this is still a playoff final, so control will matter more than volume.
The squad situation is mostly positive. Andre Horta is the only confirmed absence because of a calf injury, which means Almeria can keep a balanced 4 2 3 1 setup. Sergio Arribas should be central to their attacking rhythm, while Embarba and Leo Baptistao can attack from wider areas around Miguel de la Fuente. Lopy and Dzodic have an important job in midfield because Malaga are dangerous when they win second balls and break quickly. Almeria have conceded only three goals in their last four matches, so their defensive base looks reliable.
Malaga: Team News
Malaga have reached this final with belief, structure and a strong unbeaten run. Juan Funes has changed the mood around the team, and their recent results show a side that is hard to break. They have allowed only two goals in their last five matches, and the 0:0 first leg proved they can live with Almeria’s attacking players.
The problem is depth. Josue Dorrio, Einar Galilea, Juanpe, Luismi and Alex Pastor are unavailable, which leaves Malaga short in several areas. That makes the starting XI even more important. Herrero should continue in goal, with Puga, Murillo, Montero and Rafita forming the defensive line. Dotor, Merino and Lorenzo can help them compete centrally, while Larrubia and Ochoa need to give enough support to Chupe. Malaga do not need to dominate possession to be dangerous, but they must stay calm under pressure and avoid giving Almeria cheap set pieces.
Key Stats and Performance Indicators
Almeria vs Malaga Predicted Lineups
Almeria predicted lineup: Fernandez (GK), Chirino (DF), Rodrigo Ely (DF), Bonini (DF), Munoz (DF), Dzodic (MF), Lopy (MF), Leo Baptistao (AM), Arribas (AM), Embarba (AM), de la Fuente (FW).

Malaga predicted lineup: Herrero (GK), Puga (DF), Murillo (DF), Montero (DF), Rafita (DF), Larrubia (MF), Dotor (MF), Merino (MF), Ochoa (MF), Lorenzo (AM), Chupe (FW).

Almeria vs Malaga Match Prediction
This has all the signs of a tense playoff final rather than a free scoring match. The first leg finished 0:0, and both teams showed they were more afraid of losing structure than eager to open the game. That should continue in Almeria, especially early, because one goal can completely change the promotion race.
Almeria have the home advantage and a little more attacking punch, but Malaga are in excellent defensive rhythm and have gone eight matches without defeat. The away side’s injury list is a concern, though, especially if the match goes deep and bench options become decisive. Looking at Almeria vs Malaga odds, the home side deserve a slight edge, but Under 2.5 Goals looks like the strongest betting angle. Almeria should have just enough control and quality to edge it by one goal.
Our Prediction: Almeria 1:0 Malaga
You can place your bet on the match – Almeria vs Malaga at bc.game. Under 2.5 Goals is the main pick, while Almeria to win by a narrow margin also fits the home advantage, Malaga’s absences and the cautious first leg.