Málaga vs Valencia Match Preview
Later this Saturday Valencia will visit Malaga. Local goalkeeper Francesc Arnau called for his team mates to respect the rival, even though Valencia "Has changed its philosophy without David Silva and David Silva". Malaga will have to do without four key players for the debut match: Helder Rosario and Jurado are struggling with injuries, as well as Dida. Edu Ramos, on the other hand, is busy with Spain's U-19 National Football Team. Jesualdo Ferreira will play his first match as Malaga's manager, and a victory will be essential to establish his position at the team. The confidence of the team is sky high, and a big fish aperitif might be all they're lacking to secure the way towards the top.
If it wasn't for the presence of monsters like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, the Ches would be a solid candidate for the title, even without Roberto Soldado for the first weeks, still struggling with injuries. FC Valencia entered into one of the deadly groups of this year's Champions League, with Manchester United, Bursaspor and Glasgow Ranger, but the Bats are used to fighting rivals of superior strength. The team has been training indoors and has not let the press find out team's coach strategies for this tournament. Victory 2-0 over Lecce during the last week fed players' hunger for glory. Argentina's midfielder Ever Banega, who returned to the Albiceleste for the friendly match against Ireland will play a key role assisting Pablo and Joaquin on the midfield, will this be enough to break Malaga's defense?
Málaga vs Valencia Match Report
Unai Emery and his bats started the season with the right foot, as a loose victory 3-1 over Malaga showed there's a continuity from last season's squad, as declared by Che's coach. Ever Banega and Joaquin overrun Malaga from the right wing, causing their rival's defense to break from the 9th minute on. At the end of the first half Malaga evened the score, but Joaquin's two goals in five minutes sealed the destiny of the match.
Valencia did an excellent work on the offense, but the defense showed some problems. Four defenders were booked, and team's coach should focus on the attitude of the back line not to suffer from certain limitations on the matches to come. Malaga's coach Jesualdo Ferreira might have a lot to think about, as team's 4-4-2 formation is lacking the versatility needed to lead the offense.. Would he find a way to get team's players back on their feet?
