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Malaga are the best debutants in history - our expert panel debate the Champions League last 16
19/02/2013 8:30:00 PM
With the return of the Champions League, James Richardson and Goal.com's panel of experts discuss the key talking points at Wembley
Porto versus Malaga should be another fascinating Champions League last 16 encounter, with the unbeaten Andalusians facing off against the side with a 100 per cent home record.The Liga outfit surprised many with their assault of the competition in what is their first taste of life at European football's top table, and Goal.com's Paul Macdonald feels much of the praise should go to head coach Manuel Pellegrini.
"Malaga are the best debutants in Champions League history, and to be perfectly honest it's a miracle they've got this far considering their off-field tribulations.
"Their success is down to Pellegrini," he continued, "his reputation was unfairly tainted at Real Madrid."
Unbeaten in the group stages, despite the loss of key personnel, the financially-crippled club managed to keep hold of star man Isco, and Paul thinks he will prove key to their chances of progression.
"Financial constraints have meant players like Santi Cazorla, Salomon Rondon and Nacho Monreal have been forced to leave. But with Isco in midfield Malaga can go from strength to strength in this season's Champions League."
Porto, meanwhile, go into this tie in typically strong form, such is their dominance at Estadio do Dragao, but Goal.com's Peter Staunton feels the Portuguese giants could struggle to progress, even if they win the first leg.
"Going to Porto is one of the toughest tasks for any European team," he said, "and even though they have lost players and coaches they are a regional powerhouse and they continue to punch above their weight in Euopean competitions.
"But over the course of two legs I wouldn't be so sure of Porto progressing, but I would expect they'll have too much at this stage and Malaga's good run will come to an end."
So do you think Porto will make the most of home advantage, or can Malaga continue their unbeaten run?
If you have any questions for our experts, just send your questions to our Twitter using the #AskGoal hashtag.
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