Malaga hope to kickstart their season tonight against promoted Granada.

Much is expected of Manuel Pellegrini's side this season after spending over €50million in the summer, but they began their league campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Sevilla two weeks ago.

"There will be a party atmosphere, the stadium will certainly be full and the fans are anxious to see the team and the players that have arrived," former Real Madrid coach Pellegrini said.

"Hopefully we can get our first win and give the good performance that we are looking for."

The Chilean coach also expects Granada to give a much better performance than in their first match, a 1-0 defeat at home to Real Betis.

"They have signed four of five new players since then and that game doesn't mean anything now," he added. "They are a team that goes out to play, they have fast wingers, goalscorers in Ikechukwu Uche and Alex Geijo.

"We have to be very intense defensively and in attack - and aggressive with the ball to do damage."