To know a little more about this evening’s rival, we met-up with two exceptional ‘spies’: Julio Baptista and Ruud Van Nistelrooy, the two ‘Malaguistas’ who, alongside Manuel Pellegrini, who once belonged to Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s weaknesses: J. Baptista: When Madrid doesn’t find gaps they have complications in progressing with their game. R. Van Nistelrooy: At this stage in season, they’ve still not reached their best moment on the pitch. The threats that Real Madrid present: J.B.: Their counter-attack. R.V.N.: Their speed. Real Madrid’s strengths:
J.B.: The strength of the team. R.V.N.: Physical strength and speed. Opportunities for Real Madrid:
J.B.: They will take advantage of every mistake we make. R.V.N.: We’ll be playing our game, touching the ball a lot, and trying to get near their goal area and making lots of spaces for them to take advantage of. Málaga CF’s weaknesses:
J. Baptista: The lack of fluidity in our game. R. Van Nistelrooy: We’re a team with many new additions and we’re still in the process of getting to know each other. The threats that Málaga CF present:
J.B.: When we have fluidity in the game our options increase. R.V.N.: At La Rosaleda, the fans boost us. Málaga CF’s strengths:
J.B.: The group. R.V.N.: The desire and unity of the team, together with the individual qualities of the players are the decisive attributes of our players. Opportunities for Málaga CF:
J.B.: It’s down to us and how we are on the pitch. R.V.N.: We’re playing at home and Madrid is used to teams that close ranks, not attack. Real Madrid is the only team that Málaga CF has never beaten. Will that change? J.B. and R.V.N.: Yes. Why not? We hope to make history. Málaga Club de Fútbol and Real Madrid. Similarities in their projects? J.B.: Madrid is a done and dusted project in the world of football and Málaga is really growing and with a long-term project. R.V.N.: The ambitions. Madrid’s are to win titles and Málaga’s are to grow and become a giant of a club. Real Madrid – a model for success?
J.B.: It always has been. R.V.N.: Historically, it’s the club with the most titles won and the biggest name in world football. It’s always moving forward.