Image source: https://www.malagacf.com/en/news/heroic-malaga-promoted-to-the-second-division-2-2
After the chaotic final rounds last season, the 2026/27 La Liga campaign is going to be highly anticipated. And while Barcelona and Real Madrid will no doubt fight for the title, there’s going to be a real battle at the other end of the table.
Three of those clubs expected to be involved in the relegation battle are Levante, Elche and Malaga. The first two survived by the skin of their teeth last season, while Malaga make their long awaited return to the top flight – and they will certainly plan on sticking around.
Levante: Signings required
Levante are one of the favourites for relegation according to the La Liga latest betting odds. Last season, they survived on the final day of the season on goal difference. Three wins from their last five matches saved them, but they won’t want to find themselves in that situation again.
They have started by addressing their no.1 goalkeeper. Australian international Mathew Ryan has left the club as a free agent, meaning they will turn to 24-year-old Pablo Cunat until a new face is potentially brought in.
However, while there have been no major signings yet this summer, Levante have so far managed to keep 20-year-old forward Carlos Espi on their books. The highly rated striker scored 11 La Liga goals in just 25 matches last campaign, and the Spaniard will no doubt have plenty of interest from bigger clubs throughout the 2026/27 season.
Last season, Levante conceded 61 goals, more than any other La Liga club. That is a problem Luis Castro will desperately need to resolve. With limited funds, Levante will need to turn to those without a contract and the search for new defenders – and a goalkeeper – could define their campaign.
Elche: Big shoes to fill
Elche were another club to just about avoid the drop. After finishing one point above Levante, there’s work to do to make sure they don’t end up in a similar situation this time round.
Goals were an issue, and sadly for Elche fans, they’ve had to say goodbye to their top goalscorer Andre Silva, who has moved to Porto this summer. Alvaro Rodriguez, who produced 12 goal contributions, signed for Bournemouth for €25m. Both players are going to be extremely difficult to replace.
So far, Elche have focused on improving their defence. Gonzalo Villar and Victor Chust have been brought in for a combined €2m, while 18-year-old Buba Sangare has signed from Roma for €4.5m after a successful loan spell.
While everyone has been watching the World Cup, Elche have brought in former Porto and Botafogo head coach Martin Anselmi to lead the team in 2026/27, but the Argentine will know attacking players must be brought in if Elche are to be competitive and avoid relegation.
Will he lean on South Americans to fix his attack? Time will tell.
Málaga: A historic return
Few promoted teams will generate as much excitement as Málaga. The former Champions League club has endured a difficult period away from the top level, which certainly makes their return one of the more emotional stories ahead of 2026/27.
Málaga secured promotion through the play-offs after defeating Almería in the final. The club now faces the difficult task of matching ambition with financial reality.
Their plan is expected to combine academy development with targeted recruitment. Málaga have historically benefited from strong local support and a talented youth system, but will that be enough to be competitive back in the top flight?
The club have permanently signed forward Adrian Nino from Atletico Madrid, a player who scored 12 goals last campaign and helped them achieve promotion. However, the club are clearly relying on free transfers under financial restraint to build their squad.
Yet the atmosphere at La Rosaleda could also become one of their biggest advantages. Málaga’s passionate fanbase will have to play their part during difficult periods, but the club deserves to be back and competing against Spain’s best clubs.
