Firstly, Pellegrini discusses the positive aspects of the break from League games last weekend: “It’s always good for a team to have a bit of time off.  We used this time to recharge our batteries and ensure each player is prepared for the forthcoming matches.  I hope we’ll see an improved Málaga on the pitch tomorrow, back at the same high level we’ve maintained for the majority of the year.  We’ve got some very difficult games coming up.”
 
The ‘Malaguista’ coach analyses tomorrow’s rival: “Rayo have had a great season so far.  Technically speaking, they’ve got some quality players, and they are a tough rival for any team.  We’re determined to come home with three points that we let slip away from our last encounter with Rayo at La Rosaleda (referring to the first round defeat), knowing they are one of the best teams in the League.  It’s tough to predict what will happen tomorrow, as both teams work well with the ball.”
 
Manuel Pellegrini is aware of the importance of both the League matches and the upcoming Champions League quarter-finals: “It takes a lot out of a team taking part in the Champions League, and we are fairly anxious about the midweek match.  However we’re solely focused on tomorrow’s game at the moment.  With regards to the line-up, we always select the best players to win the game.”
 
Finally, the Blue and Whites coach talks about Eliseu’s injury: “He’s a very important player in the team.  He’s had a minor setback, but we hope he’ll recover as soon as possible.”