Real Madrid v Malaga: La Liga predictions, best bets and odds

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Real Madrid's emphatic 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in midweek extended their La Liga winning streak to five matches. José Mourinho's men are flying high after taking all six points so far (thanks also to a 2-1 triumph at Espanyol), and now face their third fixture in just nine days. Despite missing key players such as Éder Militão, Endrick and Rodrygo, the Madrid remain in formidable form. Furthermore, they've have won their last nine home league games against newly promoted clubs.

Meanwhile, Malaga face an extremely tough away trip as they search for their first win of the season, having previously lost 2-0 to Atlético Madrid and drawn 1-1 with Deportivo de La Coruña. Juan Funes’ side are on a poor run of form, going six top-flight matches without a win (1D 5L) and accruing just two points from a possible 36 across their last 12 away outings (2D 10L). Their recent record at the Bernabéu is also poor, with Real Madrid winning 27 of the 36 head-to-head meetings in the Spanish capital.

Real Madrid v Malaga (16:00 BST) – Predictions

3-5 Match Goals Range – Real Madrid: 4/5 (bet365)

Real Madrid – 1st Half/2nd Half: 4/9 (bet365)

Malaga – Under 0.5 Goals: 8/11 (bet365)

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.

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Attacking power at the Bernabéu

The goalscoring potential of José Mourinho’s side cannot be underestimated, particularly when its unleashed on home soil. Real Madrid have scored three or more goals in five of their last seven home league wins. Add to that the red-hot form of Kylian Mbappé, who netted a hat-trick against Real Sociedad last time out. It's also worth noting that the Frenchman has scored nine of his last 11 club goals after half-time.

Against a visiting defence weakened by the absences of Fernando Calero and Diego Murillo, Madrid’s attack has more than enough firepower to find the net on multiple occasions. Given that Real scored four at the Bernabéu in midweek and Malaga have conceded three goals across their opening two matches, backing the hosts to net between three and five goals feels like a sensible bet.

Prediction: 3-5 Match Goals Range – Real Madrid: 4/5 (bet365)

Explanation: This bet lands if Real Madrid score either three, four, or five goals during the match, regardless of the final result.

Dominance from start to finish

We've made this selection as Real Madrid consistently score goals in both halves. Los Blancos have managed to score before and after half-time in four of their last five league outings. As well as setting a ferocious tempo from the first minute, Madrid – thanks to the depth of their squad – can maintain their momentum by bringing on quality players from the bench. With players like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham in their ranks, fast-paced attacking football is always assured. 

By contrast, Malaga have started adly on the road, having conceded at least one goal in both halves in their first away match against Atlético Madrid. Given that Mourinho’s men will look to take control from the outset as they bid to secure a third consecutive win, don't be surprised if the hosts outscore their rivals in both the first and second half. 

Prediction: Real Madrid – 1st Half/2nd Half: 4/9 (bet365)

Explanation: This bet will land if Real Madrid win the first half and the second half in isolation, meaning the hosts need to score more goals than Malaga both before and after the interval. 

Madrid’s defensive solidity

Malaga continue to struggle to find the net away from home. Los Albicelestes have failed to score in seven of their last 12 top-flight away games, largely due to their lack of creativity in the final third. This was evidenced last week at the Metropolitano, where they were unable to engineer many clear-cut chances.

David Larrubia and Chupe both provide a potent threat, but the presence of Thibaut Courtois between the sticks and a defensive partnership of Konaté and Huijsen will make it difficult for the Malaga duo to make an impact. There have been under three goals in seven of the Andalusians' last eight matches, while the absence of Irish teenager Aaron Ochoa significantly reduces their attacking capabilities. 

For the reasons outlined above, we believe Real Madrid won't concede on Sunday evening.  

Prediction: Malaga – Under 0.5 Goals: 8/11 (bet365)

Explanation: This bet will land if Malaga fail to score. 

Real Madrid v Malaga – Match Result odds

Real Madrid: 1/9 (bet365)

Draw: 8/1 (bet365)

Malaga: 20/1 (bet365)

Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.