Malaga v Deportivo La Coruna
Saturday 15th June 2000hrs
Football – Spain – Segunda Division
Pick Malaga
Bookmaker Bet Victor
Odds: 11/10 (odds taken 17.30 GMT, Friday 14th June)
These two clubs have recent experience of playing in La Liga and that is the ultimate goal here as they clash in the playoff semi-final. Deportivo hold a 4-2 advantage from the first leg
Segunda Division Betting at Bet Victor
Malaga Preview – Are Malaga capable of turning this semi-final playoff around?
It’s only six years since Malaga were competing in the latter stages of the Champions League. Then under the care of Manuel Pellegrini, the future looked really bright with a host of stars. Withdrawal of their financial backing was the catalyst for what ended in relegation from La Liga last year. It’s been a dramatic fall from grace for the club, but they have responded relatively well in the second tier. Victor Sanchez was brought in the latter part of the season, but they were too far behind the top two for the automatic promotion spots. That would have been the ultimate aim however the reality is they fell short. It was still a very strong end to the campaign which seen Malaga win their last five in the regular season. The one major regret for the club’s owners is that Sanchez was not brought in sooner.
It was a five-point gap between Malaga and the top two in the end up. It’s a marginal difference over the course of a 42-game season and there was some indication of that frustration linger in the first leg of this tie. It’s a big ask to turn things around but this is a capable team on their day.
Deportivo La Coruna – Can Deportivo finish the tie off and get one step closer to La Liga
Deportivo were also amongst the relegated teams from La Liga season along with Malaga. Also like their opponents on Saturday, Depor saw fit to change coaches towards the end of the season. Jose Marti was entrusted with getting the club into the playoffs and he just about managed it. They finished in sixth spot – the final of four playoff spots. Taking seven points from their final three games ensured they finished four points above Cadiz. In theory, it placed them in a more difficult position, but they were impressive in the first leg. Their form at the Riazor has been patchy of late but Depor lost just three times at home during the regular season. That would have given them confidence going into Wednesday’s game and it showed. The surprise was how prolific they were scoring four times. It was just the fourth time at home all season they scored more than twice.
Depor now have to turn in another big performance to see this tie through. They have shown they are capable, though, and have lost only five times on their travels this term. Such is their lead they can even afford a one-goal defeat and still progress.
Key-Facts – Malaga v Deportivo La Coruna
- Deportivo lead the tie 4-2 having turned in a very impressive first leg performance
- The winners of this tie will face either Mallorca or Albacete in the final
- Malaga were the inform team towards the end of the regular season and scored three goals in their last three home games
Malaga v Deportivo La Coruna Betting Advice
The hosts were the from team in the Segunda division going into these playoffs. As has been shown so often, though, it counts for little in this format. Depor were the much better team first time around and looking to cement their place in the two-legged final. The winners of this tie face either Mallorca or Albacete in that game, the first leg of which will be Thursday. The games may come thick and fast now but both will desperately be hoping to be dealing with that issue.
A 4-2 first leg result was surprising for many reasons. Not least because these two teams played out very close games during the regular season. Both of those games ended in draws and with a total of two goals scored in them. It’s in stark contrast to Wednesday’s game but the return encounter is set up for an exciting climax. Malaga overcame a poor run of form to end the season strongly and won their final three home games. On all three occasions they scored three times so hope’s not lost. It’s a team capable of turning things around but the safer bet is for them to win on the evening.
