Malaga vs Almeria Prediction & Betting Tips (21 December)

The upcoming clash between Málaga and Almería in LaLiga2 on December 21, 2025, at La Rosaleda promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the round. Málaga have been battling inconsistency in recent weeks, with their form showing both resilience and fragility. In the past two months, they managed a spirited 3-2 victory over Mirandés and a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Real Valladolid, but also suffered setbacks such as a 2-1 Copa del Rey defeat to Talavera de la Reina. News around the squad has focused on injuries, with Pastor sidelined due to a knee issue and Brasanac struggling with physical discomfort, leaving the coaching staff with selection dilemmas. The team’s supporters are hopeful that home advantage at La Rosaleda can inspire a strong performance, though the pressure is mounting as Málaga sit mid-table with ambitions of climbing higher.

Almería, on the other hand, enter this fixture with a slightly stronger run of form, having secured notable wins in the past two months, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Leganés and a 2-1 triumph against Eldense. They did stumble with a 3-2 loss to AD Ceuta and a frustrating 0-0 draw against SD Huesca, but overall their momentum has been steadier compared to Málaga. Recent news has highlighted injury concerns for Almería as well, with Luismi recovering from a broken jaw and Enriquez ruled out with a cruciate ligament injury. Despite these setbacks, Almería remain in the top three of the table, showcasing their ability to grind out results even when not at their best. Their away form has been particularly encouraging, and they will look to exploit Málaga’s defensive lapses.

The head-to-head history between these two Andalusian sides adds another layer of intrigue. Málaga have often relied on their home crowd to push them forward, but Almería’s tactical discipline and ability to strike on the counter have proven decisive in past encounters. In recent matches, Málaga’s tendency to concede late goals has been a recurring theme, while Almería’s midfield control has allowed them to dictate tempo against weaker opposition. Analysts have noted that Málaga’s average of 1.33 goals conceded per game in the last six matches could be a vulnerability, especially against Almería’s attacking trio, who have been effective in breaking down defenses. With both teams carrying injuries and mixed form, the match is expected to be tight, with small margins likely to decide the outcome.

Considering the recent performances and the balance of strengths and weaknesses, the prediction leans toward a narrow Almería victory. Málaga’s inability to consistently convert chances and their defensive frailties may prove costly against a side that has shown resilience and efficiency in away fixtures. Almería’s sharper edge in front of goal, combined with their ability to manage tense situations, suggests they can edge this contest. Therefore, the forecast for this Andalusian derby is a 0:1 correct score, with Almería likely to snatch the win through a disciplined performance and a decisive strike that silences the home crowd.