Malaga vs Mallorca preview - Monreal primed for vital match

Posted Sunday, February 12, 2012 by PA

Malaga left-back Nacho Monreal has described Sunday's clash against Real Mallorca as "hugely important" as the Andalusians look to get their bid for a Champions League berth back on track.

Defeat to Granada last Monday night means big-spending Malaga have now lost five of their last eight Primera Division matches and picked up just five points during that spell, leaving them eighth in the standings on 28 points.

Fortunately for Manuel Pellegrini's men they are still only four points behind fourth-placed Levante, who are also finding victories hard to come by, but Monreal is aware his side can ill afford to keep slipping up if they are to get into the Champions League.

Speaking ahead of the visit of Mallorca, he told his club's website: "It's a hugely important game as we don't want to fall further adrift.

"Having let the points escape us in Granada, we're even more obliged to get the three points at home against a rival who, if we do our job correctly, we should have plenty of chances to beat.

"Many teams come to our ground and play for a draw, but we have to be patient and know that sooner or later the goal will arrive. We know Mallorca are difficult opponents but we have to go for the victory 100%."

Malaga will be boosted by the return of Joaquin Sanchez and Ruud van Nistelrooy but Martin Demichelis will be banned for two matches after his red card against Granada.

Mallorca, meanwhile, have a number of selection problems with Ivan Ramis, Jose Luis Marti and Victor Casadesus all suspended and first-choice right-back Pau Cendros injured.

Cendros' absence could mean a rare start for Marti Crespi and he is desperate to make the most of his opportunity, even if it is not in his regular position.

He told his club's website: "The manager has tried me at right-back in training and whether it is at full-back or in central defence I am just desperate to play a first-team game from the start because I haven't done so this year.

"I hope that on Sunday that will be the case but nothing is definitive yet.

"We are missing some important players. Ramis at the back and Victor further forward have been playing very well recently and they are important for us. Their absence will be noted but we have other people who can slot in and do well."