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#4 Malaga in the relegation zone
Valencia's early season form is just as bewildering as Malaga's disastrous opening to the new campaign: second from bottom with just 4 points in the bag.
A team that is known to upset the applecart by stepping up their game against the top shouts, is today, struggling even against second-tier teams. Yes, they did beat Celta Vigo in their last outing, but that was their first win of the season. A win that comes as a respite more than anything else.
Their travails become crystal clear when you look at this scoreline of a Copa Del Rey game recently - Numancia 2-1 Malaga.
The Andalusian outfit have not stooped to such lows in a very long time, and watching them in the relegation mix is stunning, to say the least. Even the likes of Girona and Levante appear formidable teams in front of them right now.
Manager Jose Miguel is walking a tightrope, although it is more startling that he has survived the prying eyes of the Arab owners despite all the on-field pandemonium thus far. However, he may face the axe soon.
Malaga have been in the top flight for 10 consecutive seasons but seems their decade-long tryst with the primary division is soon headed for a split.
