Málaga's attacking revolution puts them in elite company with Madrid and Barça
Under manager Funes, Málaga have transformed into an attacking powerhouse, with shooting stats that rival Spain's biggest clubs despite playing in Segunda División.
The Costa del Sol outfit have gone from relegation fodder to attacking powerhouse in a remarkable turnaround that’s giving Málaga fans proper reason to believe again.
The Funes effect
Talk about a transformation! Since gaffer Funes took the reins at La Rosaleda, Málaga have become an absolute attacking juggernaut in Segunda División. The numbers don’t lie - they’re absolutely smashing it going forward with more than two goals per match across his first seven games in charge.
What’s proper mental is that Funes has nearly matched the goal tally from Pellicer’s entire 14-game stint this season already. The team’s gone from cautious to cavalier faster than you can say “lovely jubbly”.
According to BeSoccer Pro’s data, Málaga now lead some pretty elite statistical categories:
- Most shots on target in Segunda División
- Third most shots on target in all of Spanish professional football
- Only Barcelona and Real Madrid have registered more shots on target
Rubbing shoulders with the big boys
The stats before January’s first matchday show just how far they’ve come. Málaga recorded 38 shots on target in Funes’ first six matches, putting them ahead of established top-flight sides like:
- Real Betis (37)
- Almería (35)
- Real Sociedad (34)
Only the two Spanish giants - Real Madrid (50) and Barcelona (47) - have managed more, and Barça even played an extra game to reach their total.
Danger in the final third
It’s not just about pulling the trigger either. The Blanquiazules rank third in completed dribbles in dangerous areas since Funes arrived, with their 30 successful take-ons only trailing Barcelona (38) and Real Madrid (34).
For a Segunda División side to be mentioned in the same breath as Spain’s footballing royalty speaks volumes about the attacking identity Funes has instilled at Martiricos.
The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable - from relegation scrappers to attacking entertainers. Málaga fans have gone from checking the drop zone to dreaming of promotion, and based on these attacking stats, they’ve got every right to have their hopes up for 2026.