Malaga vs Osasuna preview - Pellegrini confident of response
Posted Saturday, April 13, 2013 by PA
Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini is confident his side can recover from the emotional rollercoaster of being knocked out of the Champions League by two injury time goals to focus on securing a place in the competition for next season.
Malaga were moments away from booking their place in the semi-finals before Borussia Dortmund clinched victory in dramatic style with two stoppage-time scores to move into the final four and face Real Madrid.
Pellegrini's side now return back to Primera Division action to take on Osasuna knowing a win could help to boost them out of sixth and towards the Champions League qualification place.
That is currently occupied by Real Sociedad, who are four points clear of Malaga ahead of this weekend's fixtures.
"That's football, the results depend on many factors," Pellegrini said after the defeat to Dortmund.
"I want to thank all those who have sent us messages of encouragement. We feel the support of the fans. The reception in Malaga after arriving from Dortmund is a testament to what the feeling is at La Rosaleda.
"Now we must focus on the league. Osasuna is a team with a direct game which does well from the dead ball and set piece.
"There are eight games left and 24 points available and we must try to beat all of the other sides to be in Europe next season."
Osasuna will be searching for a win as they bid to move further away from the relegation scrap.
They are currently five points clear of Deportivo La Coruna in the third relegation place.
"Five points are not bad, but we can not rest," said Osasuna coach Jose Luis Mendilibar.
"We have been worse but I will not let it happen again You lose, you lose, the others lose, but someone always wins and you could get relegated.
"We cannot lose the intensity and the opponent cannot put up more of a fight than us."
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