Malaga take on the challenge of Real Madrid in their next Copa del Rey fixture with Nistelrooy relishing the chance to test their wits against his former side.
Real Madrid welcome the La Rosaleda-based side to the Santiago Bernabeu on January 3 for the first leg of the knockout competition. The Dutch forward stated that he wants to squad to use the cup fixture to gauge their progress in Spanish top flight football
after a summer of heavy spending.
Malaga added as many as ten new players to the roster including the likes of Jeremy Toulalan, Joaquin Sanchez, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Santi-Cazorla-c32505, Nistelrooy and Valencia’s young attacking prodigy, Isco.
Ahead of their match against Real Madrid, Nistelrooy stated that Malaga’s upcoming clash will be a good indicator of what the squad is capable of achieving at the end of 2011/12 season.
Real Madrid start the New Year as Primera Division leaders while the Andalusian team is 7th in the points table, level on points with Sevilla but with a poor head-to-head and goal difference record.
The Capital club have a three-point advantage over reigning Spanish champions, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604, having accumulated 40 points from their league fixtures.
The experienced striker was thrilled at the trip to his old hunting ground and urged his teammates to give their best against the reigning Copa del Rey winners.
"We begin 2012 with a great game [against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey] and a great opportunity to play against a great team and judge our current level and what can be [realistically] achieved this season," Van Nistelrooy said.
He stated that they have the ability to cause an upset at the home of the nine-time European champions who are a tough opponent anywhere they play.
"We will play as a team, but we are aware that they are a tough opponent, so we must defend well against their forwards, while not forgetting to reach the opposite goal on occasions."
The former Manchester United striker has failed to rediscover his form of yester years at La Rosaleda and hoped that the New Year will bring back lost form.
"I hope next year is more prolific for me, but I will continue working hard to improve," he added.
"For me, it is important to keep working, but I am physically and mentally well and in harmony with the team and the people of the club."
Tags: