Champions League preview: Malaga is coming!

Numerous pundits claimed during group stage that Malaga had nothing to lose in every match, and it is hard to invent a line better than that. So once again: Malaga has nothing to lose in Tuesday’s clash against Porto.

There were not many people who expected the Spanish side to qualify from the tough group after the team sold Santi Cazorla to Arsenal in summer and faced financial troubles but Pellegrini made a remarkable job despite difficult circumstances.

Isco emerged as e new star of the side with Joao Moutinho, Fernando and Lucho Gonzalez supporting the forward in the offense line. Isco will experience a lot of pressure from Porto defenders, yet the Argentine striker Javier Saviola can help his teammate, considering the fact the he himself played for Porto several seasons ago.

Porto will respond with the Colombian forward Jackson Martinez who reached fantastic form since arriving in Portugal. The Portuguese champions are likely to impose their dominance from the start, while Malaga is likely to rely on counter-attacks. The Spaniards can feel quite comfortable without the ball with the side playing in composed and compact football.

Pellegrini’s team should oppose the pressure that Porto throws at home stadium and use their chances whenever they can. The match is the most unexpected fixture in the Champions League knock-out round, and strictly speaking anything is possible in the game.