Valencia – Malaga 20.04.2013

Valencia did not start their league campaign in a great manner but the team’s performances have been excellent of late. Los Che desperately need a victory against Malaga in order to book their place in the Champions League, while the visitors are likely to stay out of the European competitions due to financial problems.

Following the unlucky draw at Cornelia El Prat against Espanyol, Valencia are hoping to start a new winning run when they take on Malaga at Mestalla stadium this weekend. Valencia are playing much better at home ground this season and Ernesto Valverde’s men are eager to win this clash against los Boquerones as they travel to San Sebastian next week to take on Real Sociedad, who are currently in the Champions League places, four points clear of Valencia. Los Che are now ready for the ultimate battles for the Champions League spot as the season is coming to an end. Ernesto Valverde’s team have scored five goals and conceded one in the last two home games against Betis and Valladolid, while showing a decent display in the 3:3 draw with Espanyol, which should keep them in good stead for the Malaga game. Valencia have turned their Mestalla stadium into a real fortress over the last few years, and I believe they will pick up vital three points for the Champions League race this weekend.

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Malaga, on the other hand, have largely impressed in the Champions League this term as they were eliminated in the quarter-finals having lost to Borussia Dortmund in the dying minutes of the return leg. Los Boquerones are now fully focused on La Liga, although the team is likely to miss at least one European tournament over the next four seasons, after UEFA sanctioned the club due to financial problems. Malaga are currently level on points with Valencia in the La Liga standings, but they will be considered as underdogs at Mestalla stadium as they have lost last two away matches in all competitions. Manuel Pellegrini also have some injury worries as Jeremy Toulalan and Pedro Morales will miss the game against Los Che. Considering that Malaga have lost last four encounters at Mestalla, everything but the home win this weekend would be a major surprise. Los Boquerones could adopt attack-minded approach this weekend, and could even score, but they are likely to lose this encounter.