Champions League last-16 preview: Malaga vs Porto

The first leg was a disappointment as it ended in Porto 1-0 win. The first part of the game was boring with Porto in control, but their midfielders struggled to create chances. The scoreless draw probably could have been the fair result, but Joao Moutinho netted the winning goal in the 56th minute of the game which was due to an offside error from the assistant referee.

Malaga recent form:

Porto’s win with a slim margin means the Anchovies need to score at least two goals and not concede to progress to the next stage of the tournament. However this will be a tough task taking into account that Malaga have managed to net only two goals in their last five games. Malaga are currently lying in the fourth place of La Liga table, 13 points behind the third-placed Atletico Madrid.

Porto recent form:

Porto is likely to play with a deep defense line, hitting on counter attacks with direct passing in the Champions League second leg against Malagsa. The Portuguese side has been delivering some outstanding defensive displays lately, having conceded just two goals in five games. However they were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by the arch rivals Benfica and are finding themselves in the second spot of the Primeira Liga table, two points behind the leaders Benfica.

Malaga team news:

Manuel Pellegrini’s side boasts a clean bill of health as Eliseu, Francisco Portillo and Baptista have recovered from their injuries and could be featuring in the game against Porto.

Porto team news:

The Portuguese side have been given a huge boost with the news their influential midfielder Joao Moutinho, who has scored a winner in the Champions League first leg at Estádio do Dragão, is available for selection after shaking off thigh strain. Centre back Mangala has also returned to fitness and could take part in the forthcoming game.