Malaga vs Sporting Gijon

Malaga ensures Champions League exit with a win over Sporting Gijon. In case of draw, they need Atletico not to win. In case of defeat, they need Atletico and Levante not to win. Sporting Gijon needs a miracle, the victory, also Rayo & Zaragoza to lose.

 

Malaga was excellent in the first half in their last game away to Atletico Madrid. They scored first with Eliseu, but they allowed two goals to the second half, and finally defeated. With this result, Manuel Pellegrini’s team completed two consecutive away defeats and lost a unique opportunity to seal the fourth leading qualifier in the Champions League, but which ensures tonight with a victory over Sporting Gijon. Throughout the season they fought for this, and they must do a good match to succeed in front of a full packed stadium. Defender Wellington is punished, otherwise, the lineup is not expected to change in relation to the match against Atletico. Goalkeeper Willy Caballero, and midfielders Jeremy Toulalan, Enzo Maresca and Julio Baptista are all still out.

 

Sporting Gijon played with more heart than with brain against Betis at home, and was able to score early with a penalty by Sangoy, accepted the equalizer at 45′, but Sangoy scored again and Gijon won. With this result, the team of Javier Clemente returned to winning ways, they added three wins in the last four matches and will exhaust all probabilities tonight. The only scenario that can save them is to win tonight, and lose both Rayo Vallecano and Zaragoza. Defender Alberto Botía returns from punishment, midfielder Miguel De las Cuevas is back from injury, while defender Roberto Canella is doubtful.

 

Gijon chances to stay to the division are not realistic. In case that Rayo or Zaragoza will win at half time, Gijon will quit the game.