|
|
Malaga are the best debutants in history - our expert panel debate the Champions League last 16
Feb 19, 2013 9:30:00 AM
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.
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Arsenal hold their nerve in top-four battle
Arsene Wenger's side produced a clinical performance to secure a top-four Premier League finish but now they must kick on if they wish to challenge for honours next year
-
Player Ratings: Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
Laurent Koscielny's 52nd-minute volley secured the Gunners the win over Alan Pardew's side and made sure they would be playing Champions League football next season
-
Player Ratings: West Brom 5-5 Man Utd
Sir Alex Ferguson was given a farewell to remember, but certainly not for the right reasons as the Romelu Lukaku-led hosts battled back from three goals down to earn an unlikely point
-
Player Ratings: Tottenham 1-0 Sunderland
A sensational strike from star attacker Gareth Bale as ultimately not enough as Spurs miss out on a place in next season's Champions League by one point to arch-rivals Arsenal
-
Player Ratings: Chelsea 2-1 Everton
Fernando Torres proves the match winner for the hosts as Rafael Benitez sees out his Blues managerial tenure with exciting and narrow victory over David Moyes' side
