Football NewsBBC SportUnverified source· 19 Aug 2026
Malaga's long road back to La Liga after decade of decline
From Champions League heartbreak to semi-professional depths, Malaga's remarkable return is complete.
Malaga
team
Return
Back in La Liga after almost a decade away
Promotion parade
Estimated 185,000 attended in June
Former status
Champions League quarter-finalists in 2013
What happened. Malaga have returned to La Liga after almost a decade, having fallen from the Champions League to Spain's semi-professional third tier.
- Club had no owner, no money, and seemingly no future
- Return credited to young players, an unconventional teacher, and loyal fans
- Other promoted sides include Deportivo La Coruna and Racing Santander
Malaga now aim to re-establish themselves among Spain's top flight after years in the wilderness.
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