A brace from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Duda-c11697 was not enough for Malaga to get all three points against Anderlecht in the Champions League last night as the game ended 2-2.
Malaga already secured their qualification to the next round as toppers of the group. Hence, the club boss, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Manuel-c23383 Pellegrini, rested some players for this encounter at home.
One positive outcome of the match was the fact that youngsters got their chance to play in Europe’s most prestigious competition and did not disappoint.
Now that they qualified to the knockout stage, the Andalusians will shift their focus to the Primera Division.
Pellegrini was quick to mention that they have now achieved their first objective which was to advance from the group stages.
“The goal this year has been achieved, which was to get to the next round.”
The former Villarreal boss conceded that from now there will be no easy fixtures as his side will get tough encounters in the coming rounds. He stressed on the importance of keeping themselves fit for this competition.
“I think from now on every opponent that we can play against is difficult, and the important thing is to be in good shape when we play in February.”
The tactician commented on the two goals his side has conceded and admitted that they have made mistakes at the back. However, he stated that he is proud of his attacking players and thought the draw was a fair result for both sides.
“We have made mistakes at the back, but I am proud of my attacking players. I think it is a fair score.”
Meanwhile, Anderlecht coach, John van den Brom, was also pleased with the performance of his team and believes his side proved last night that they can compete well in the circles of Europe’s elite teams.
“We played well again, and we have proven we are able to compete at this level.”
Brom also thinks his team deserved to come away with a point from the match. Regardless, he understands the result is not enough for his side to advance to the last-16 of the Champions League.
“In the end we took a well-deserved point from here, but that does not help us much.”
Malaga qualified to the next round of the Champions League undefeated in their group.
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