After shocking defeat against Barcelona in the last league match, Zaragoza will host Malaga at La Romareda in Copa del Rey. They have played awful and conceded 6 goals in previous match, and that will make them more patient and more careful in defense in the next game. Beside this, they will play at home where they have good record with only one lost and probably will play for a win because this is two matches encounter and they want to wait return game in relaxed atmosphere. Humiliation against Barcelona will force them to give more commitment and to pray for forgiveness in front of own fans. They have quality for that, but first minutes will be very important and they will start offensive from the first whistle. Real Zaragoza are the only team that have scored at least one goal in every single match and probably they will do it this time too. Historically, Zaragoza are very interested for this competition and until now they won it 6 times in the seasons: 1963-1964, 1965-1966, 1985-1986, 1993-1994, 2000-2001, 2003-2004. Coach Marcelino Garcia Toral will probably continue with this good tradition and probably field the best possible eleven players.
This is secondary competition for guests
After 8 league games they rock bottom of the table and with just one win in the opening round against Athletico Madrid, and one draw away against Xerez, they look like the main relegation candidate. In such situation their main objection is to get out from relegation zone and to keep Primera status. Copa del Rey will be their secondary competition and specially in away game they will try just to avoid defeat and to keep clean sheet. Maybe some counter attack can produce danger in opponent penalty area and they probably expect such situations. They have a lot of problems with injuries and for tomorrow match they will probably rest some doubtful players to prepare them for tough games in league. They have never had some success in Copa del Ray and in this situation probably that fact will not be changed.
There is difference in motivation level
There is no doubt about both teams motivation. Zaragoza have good opportunity to overcome unpleasant lost against Barcelona and to continue with good results in Copa del Rey. Malaga will concentrate on league matches because they are last on the table and only good result in that competition can save them this season. Fans at La Romareds expect better performance and good result before return match and with low guests motivation there are all conditions for home win.
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Prediction:
Tip: 1
Odd: 2.03
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 6 /10
Tipster: Kather
