RCD Espanyol aim to end their losing streak with a key visit to bottom club Malaga CF this Friday at La Rosaleda. The La Liga matchday 8 fixture represents a prime opportunity for José Luis Saso's side to pick up points against a direct rival in the lower reaches of the table.

The pericos arrive on the back of two consecutive defeats, the latest a 1-3 loss to Elche, which leaves them 15th with 7 points. Their striker Roberto Fernández, the team's top scorer with six goals, will be a key attacking threat. Malaga, meanwhile, are the only team yet to win this season and have collected just three points.

Match context

The historical record at La Rosaleda in the top flight slightly favours the hosts, with eight wins to the visitors' seven in 17 meetings. The referee appointed for the match is Francisco José Hernández, who is in his fourth season officiating in the elite. "It will be an intense match, both need points," the Toledo-born official commented, who will be assisted by José Antonio López on VAR.

The current situation of both teams adds drama to the southern classic. Malaga have taken two points from their three home games, while Espanyol have managed one win in their three away trips. Fans can check the team's full schedule on our fixtures page.

Shared players

The match brings together many familiar faces between the two squads. Players like Sergi Darder, Keidi Bare and goalkeeper Roberto Jiménez have worn both shirts. Espanyol coach José Luis Saso was a player for CD Málaga in his day, adding a personal link to the duel.

Malaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero is one of the players to have featured in every minute this season and ranks among the top three goalkeepers for saves in the league with 28. Striker Roberto, a former Malaga player, arrives as the visitors' leading scorer. The squad's status and any potential absences can be followed in our squad section.

The match will be played on Friday, October 9 at 21:00 at La Rosaleda stadium and will be broadcast live on DAZN LaLiga. A win would allow Espanyol to pull away from the relegation places and build confidence for the next phase of the competition.

The original report is at malagacf.com