What: Spanish La Liga
Who: Malaga vs Valencia
When: Sunday 29th April, 2012, at 17:00 UK time
Where: La Rosaleda, Malaga, Spain
A Final
With four games left in the 2011/12 La Liga season, Malaga go into the 35th matchday with a meeting against third-placed Valencia. The Andalucians have recently structured a third place comeback attempt, but have claimed this position on just one occasion so far this season. Three points away from the 2004 league champions, Malaga can draw closer to their goal with a win here at La Rosaleda.
At home, Malaga have been one of the strongest La Liga sides – third behind Barcelona and Real Madrid. It is however their away form that has been disappointing with just four wins on the road so far. And with games against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid waiting next week, Manuel Pellegrini’s side must make sure they win their bout against Valencia.
And experienced defender Martin Demichelis knows all about this upcoming fixture and what to expect.
“We know the importance of this game against a very tough opponent. We will threaten them from the beginning to make things complicated. Valencia have many other important players, beyond the striker [Roberto] Soldado. The important thing is to put in a good performance and seize all the extra motivation”, remarked the Argentine.
Another Battle
One of three Spanish sides to reach the Europa League semi-finals, Valencia’s luck ran out at the Mestalla in midweek, as the team went down 1-0 against Atletico Madrid in the second leg – and 5-2 on aggregate. With their hopes of continental glory now up in smoke, Los Che turn their attention to La Liga’s consolation prize, third place in the standings, knowing that a tough visit down south awaits.
Los Che hold the psychological lead going into this one, having triumphed 2-0 in the corresponding fixture in December. Furthermore, the side will be buoyed by the fact that they remain one of three teams to have won more games than they have lost on the road. Yet facing a motivated Malaga could prove to be a banana skin for Unai Emery’s side.
Valencia have also been rocked with the news that Sergio Canales is expected to spend another six months on the sidelines after recently returning from a similar spell. In the rare games that the youngster took the pitch this season, he greatly impressed. His side will be hoping to have him fresh and ready for the next term.
Recent form
Malaga:
Villarreal 2-1 Malaga (12/04; La Liga)
Malaga 1-1 Real Sociedad (15/04; La Liga)
Osasuna 1-1 Malaga (23/04; La Liga)
Valencia:
Atletico Madrid 4-2 Valencia (19/04; Europa League)
Valencia 4-0 Real Betis (22/04; La Liga)
Valencia 0-1 Atletico Madrid (26/04; Europa League)
Key absences
Malaga: Joris Mathijsen; Wilfredo Caballero; Jeremy Toulalan; Julio Baptista (doubt)
Valencia: Sergio Canales; Ever Banega; Jeremy Mathieu (doubt); David Albelda (suspended)
Players to watch
Malaga – Joaquin: One man who knows Valencia all too well is their former player Joaquin, having spent five seasons at the club. The winger might not turn heads in like he used to in the old days, but he can be a nuisance on the right flank.
Valencia – Jordi Alba: The Spanish international is a hot commodity at the moment after establishing himself with club and country this season. Barcelona are hugely interested in his services, while a place for him at Euro 2012 looks guaranteed so far.
Match Prediction
A close one to call given the delicacy of the situation as both teams could win it. Valencia certainly do not lack the firepower to come home with a six-point lead and all but consolidate third place, but Malaga are always a tough nut to crack here. At their own stadium, they should take the spoils.
