Real Sociedad vs Malaga preview - Gonzalez eyes much-needed win

Posted Sunday, December 04, 2011 by PA

Real Sociedad defender Mikel Gonzalez has highlighted the need for La Real to get back to winning ways at home when Malaga visit this weekend.

The Basque side won their first game in nine matches at Real Betis last time out, but have not won at home since September and Gonzalez wants to make Anoeta the fortress it was last term.

He told the club's official website: "The saviour of many teams is their home ground, it was for us last season and the year we came up. This year we have to continue making Anoeta count."

However Gonzalez understands the difficulty of the task he and his team-mates will face as they take on big-spending Malaga.

"They are a team that have recruited very well and they are getting to where they want to be. They have won a lot of games recently, but I think we have to concentrate on ourselves. The team showed what they can do in Seville and we will take confidence from that game."

Sociedad are still without playmakers Xabi Prieto and Asier Illarramendi, whilst Alberto De La Bella, Markel Bergara and Liassine Cadamuro are also unavailable.

Malaga moved back up to fifth with a 2-1 victory over Villarreal on Monday night.

Jeremy Toulalan scored his first goal for the club before being sent off, but the France international will be available to play in San Sebastian after his second yellow card was rescinded by the league's competition committee.

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini claims he is content with his side's start to the campaign, but insists qualification for the Champions League remains their ambition.

The Chilean told Marca: "When you are higher in the table it is easier to motivate yourself. We are happy with many aspects, particularly the way in which we have been improving. We can't get too affected by short or long-term goals, but go week by week.

"We have consistently been in the Europa League places and perhaps, based on the quality of the squad, we can move up to the Champions League, but we have to show that on the field."

Isco has scored in both Malaga's last two matches and the Spain Under-21 international should be given another start as Julio Baptista and Joaquin remain sidelined.