Malaga vs Borussia Dortmund: Expect goals at La Rosaleda as Klopp's entertainers pay a visit

 

Malaga's fairytale run to the Champions League quarter-finals has been built on solid defending at home, but Kevin Hatchard thinks the Spaniards will struggle to contain Borussia Dortmund.

 

Malaga vs Borussia Dortmund, Wed 19:45 BST, Live on Sky Sports 4

Match Odds: Malaga 3.7, BVB 2.22, the draw 3.5

 

Borussia Dortmund's experienced keeper Roman Weidenfeller says his side will treat this quarter-final clash as if it's against Barcelona and Real Madrid, and the German champions are wise to approach this tie against Malaga with caution. Under the outstanding leadership of wily coach Manuel Pellegrini, Malaga have reached the last eight in their first ever Champions League campaign.

 

Malaga's extraordinary progress has been underpinned by some excellent displays in front of a raucous crowd at their La Rosaleda home. Los Boquerones have won four of their five Champions League home games, keeping clean sheets in all four victories. Conversely, Malaga's domestic home form of late has been patchy - they have managed just one win in their last seven home games in league and cup, including a recent 2-0 reverse against Espanyol that saw Pellegrini's men fail to make the most of long spells of possession.

 

Malaga fans will be praying for another fine display from 20-year-old attacking midfielder Isco, who has scored three Champions League goals at La Rosaleda, including a magnificent curling effort against Porto in the last 16. If, as expected, he leaves the club for big money this summer, he will be sorely missed.

 

Borussia Dortmund have had a sparkling campaign, and they are one of only two teams (Juventus is the other) to enter the quarter-finals with an unbeaten record. Jurgen Klopp's men have been particularly impressive on the road, drawing teams forward before punishing them with speedy counter-attacks. This style is highlighted by the fact BVB have averaged just 43.3% possession, lower than any other side left in the competition. Dortmund were unlucky not to turn draws into wins away to Real Madrid and Manchester City, and their creditable 2-2 draw at Shakhtar Donetsk set up their comfortable passage through the previous round.

 

Dortmund are somewhat battered and bruised after Saturday's 2-1 win at Stuttgart. Left-back Marcel Schmelzer may have to play with a protective mask against Malaga after breaking his nose, while midfielder Sven Bender and right-back Lukasz Piszczek both have nagging injuries. Attacking triumvirate Mario Gotze, Marco Reus and Robert Lewandowski should all start, and all three are on fine form. Gotze has been involved in six of Dortmund's last ten Champions League goals, Reus has scored three UCL goals away from home, while Lewandowski has scored 26 goals in 36 games in all competitions, producing a further ten assists.

 

The value bet is the 2.04 on offer for Over 2.5 Goals. Dortmund's four away games in the Champions League have produced 15 goals between them, and the Germans have scored in 38 of the 40 matches they have played this season. Malaga have lost left-back Nacho Monreal to Arsenal, and centre-back Martin Demichelis' lack of pace could be exposed by BVB's speedsters. Malaga also have firepower, and have scored in 20 of their 23 home games.

 

Recommended Bet: Back Both Teams to Score at 1.8

Best Bet: Back Over 2.5 Goals at 2.04

 

Bet HERE

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