Malaga vs Rayo Vallecano preview - Demichelis determined

Posted Thursday, March 22, 2012 by PA

Malaga will go into the Primera Division clash against Rayo Vallecano full of confidence following their draw with Real Madrid at the weekend, and Martin Demichelis is determined that will not spill over into complacency.

Real's 11-match winning run in the league was brought to an end by the 1-1 draw on Sunday, which kept Malaga right in contention for a Champions League spot.

Demichelis said: "The point that we gained from this match not only helped us with regards to numbers but has also increased our morale.

"We had clear chances at goal in the first half, but besides the result, it was very important to us that we were able to pose a threat to Madrid in the Bernabeu, where only Barcelona have been victorious.

"However, despite our performance in that match, on Thursday we're facing Rayo, a team just three points from Europe.

"We're progressing well, but cannot get complacent and believe we've already won the match against Rayo because we're at home. It'll be a difficult, tight match until the end, we'll need to be patient and play well for the 90 minutes."

Demichelis is likely to continue in midfield in place of the injured Jeremy Toulalan, while defender Weligton is a doubt after suffering a knock to his knee against Real.

Rayo go into the match four points behind Malaga following Saturday's 3-0 victory over Real Betis.

Mikel Labaka looks set to be fit but captain Michel is still recovering from a dislocated shoulder.