Tello starts in Barcelona attack versus Malaga

Posted Thursday, January 17, 2013 by Goal.com

The 21-year-old features in an attacking trio for the hosts along with Alexis Sanchez and Lionel Messi, meanwhile, there are starts for defenders Carles Puyol and Martin Montoya

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has handed a start to Cristian Tello for the Catalan side’s Copa del Rey quarter-final clash with Malaga on Wednesday evening.

The 21-year-old has likely been given the nod due to the injury suffered by David Villa in Barca’s victory over Cordoba in the previous round of the cup last week. Alexis Sanchez and Lionel Messi make up the front three.

Club captain, Carles Puyol, also features in the starting XI and will partner Javier Mascherano at the back. Martin Montoya comes in at left-back, with Adriano making up the back four.

Regular starter, Andres Iniesta, is joined in midfield by Alex Song and Thiago Alcantara.

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini has also rung the changes for the midweek cup match. The most notable absentee for the visitors is Isco, who settles for a place on the bench. Sebastian Fernandez, Francisco Portillo, and Javier Saviola all start in attacking areas.

Martin Demichelis is given a rest, with Sergio Sanchez coming in to partner Weligton at centre-back. Jesus Gamez will start at right full-back, with Eliseu dropping into a deeper area on the opposite flank.

Barcelona (4-3-3): Pinto; Adriano, Mascherano, Puyol, Montoya; Thiago, Song, Iniesta; Alexis, Tello, Messi

Subs: Valdes, Xavi, Busquets, Pique, Pedro, Cesc, Alba

Malaga (4-2-3-1): Kameni; Gamez, Sanchez, Weligton, Eliseu; Camacho, Iturra; Portillo, Fernandez, Buonanotte; Saviola

Subs: Cruz, Isco, Onyewu, Cabellero, Monreal, Demichelis, Duda