Analysis
Malaga are actively chasing UEFA Champions League qualification. Their wish sounds very realistic. They might be flattered by the fact that the find themselves only one rank below the great Spanish giants, Real Madrid.
It will be vital for Saturday’s hosts to avoid defeat as they currently edge fifth-placed Real Betis by goal difference only. Defeating Real Madrid is a difficult but not impossible task. This season, Getafe, Sevilla and Betis have all taken maximum points away from Los Blancos. That said, why would Malaga not try their luck?
Besides, Malaga’s home record is one to be proud of with 20 goals scored and only seven conceded. In their backyard, they recorded big wins against Levante, Real Betis, Valencia and Granada lately. Real Madrid, who have already lost thrice in La Liga this season, could be Malaga’s next victims.
Last weekend, Los Blancos got held to a 2-2 draw against Espanyol and eventually fell 13 points off the summit. As Jose Mourinho subsequently avowed, unconvincing Real Madrid can almost give up on the title as strong favourites Barcelona look too solid.
Although anything could happen as the campaign is long, at this point, the Spanish Primera Division champions might have reduced their league target to nothing more than a top three finish for automatic Champions League qualifications. While the team must increase their efforts in quest of Copa del Rey and Champions League glory, Jose Mourinho must avoid disaster in La Liga.
Reports from the Spanish media suggest that Jose Mourinho’s career at the Santiago Bernabeu could end prematurely. Coincidentally, predecessor Manuel Pellegrini could add fuel to these speculations on Saturday.
The current Malaga coach had a sour relationship with club president Florentino Perez as Real Madrid failed to clinch overnight success during the 2009/10 season and Mourinho may soon find himself in the same situation with pressure mounting. Even if Pellegrini refuses to see himself as “the judge of Mourinho this weekend”, the fact remains that the upcoming match is a crucial one and more so for Real Madrid.
Head-to-head – Last five matches
March 3, 2011: Real Madrid 7-0 Malaga
October 22, 2011: Malaga 0-4 Real Madrid
January 3, 2012: Real Madrid 3-2 Malaga
January 10, 2012: Malaga 0-1 Real Madrid
March 18, 2012: Real Madrid 1-1 Malaga
Table
| POS. | TEAM | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | D | P | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRIMERA DIVISIÓN 2012/2013 | ||||||||||
| 1 | Barcelona | 16 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 54 | 18 | +36 | 46 | |
| 2 | Atlético Madrid | 16 | 12 | 1 | 3 | 36 | 17 | +19 | 37 | |
| 3 | Real Madrid | 16 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 39 | 14 | +25 | 33 | |
| 4 | Málaga | 16 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 25 | 10 | +15 | 28 | |
| 5 | Real Betis | 16 | 9 | 1 | 6 | 25 | 26 | -1 | 28 | |
| 6 | Levante | 17 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 21 | 24 | -3 | 27 | |
Prediction
Result: Malaga 0-2 Real Madrid
