Malaga vs. Dortmund: the underdogs take on the dark horses

The Gotze and Reus combination is pivotal to Dortmund’s chances. (Getty Images)

When the draw was made many considered Bayern vs. Juventus to be the most mouth-watering clash. But the most anticipated tie for purists and neutrals alike is the clash at the Roselda, where underdogs Malaga take on dark horses Borussia Dortmund.

Both Malaga and Dortmund play a similar brand of attacking football and have highly-rated coaches who are tactically astute. They both topped their respective groups in which they were not even expected to qualify. While Dortmund trumped Manchester City, Ajax and Real Madrid, Malaga finished above AC Milan and Zenit St. Petersburg.

The similarities end here though as Malaga are flirting with financial implosion while Dortmund are going from strength to strength. While Dortmund is a very young team, Malaga have a good combination of youth and experience. Malaga almost seems like a list of major European rejects with Joaquin, who was deemed to be past his best at Valencia, regaining form in Andalusia. Roque Santa Cruz, all but wasted by Manchester City, has again become a feared striker while Javier Saviola, who never really seemed to fulfil his potential at the big clubs, leads from the front with his performances here. Not to forget Martin Demichelis seems to be back in prime form and is a rock in the middle of the Spanish teams defence.

The odds in this tie favour the Germans heavily but don’t call Malaga out as they have shown remarkable strength and character over the course of the season. Even with Jose Rondon, Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal leaving the team for greener pastures, they have retained every bit of strength and spirit. Klopp would know that this would not be an easy tie as Malaga have the quality to shock them.

Dortmund may sit back and try and break on the counter with the face of Gotze and Reus but they would surely miss the talismanic Mats Hummels in defence. For Malaga though, nothing but their best will give them a chance to make a match of this contest.

Formation and line-ups:

Borussia Dortmund

4-2-3-1: Weindenfeller; Santana, Pizchek, Schmelzer, Subotic; Sahin, Gundogan; Reus, Gotze, Blaschowzki; Lewandowski

Malaga

4-2-3-1: Willy; Demichelis, Gamez, Weligton, Antunes; Toulalan, Camacho; Isco, Saviola, Joaquin; Santa Cruz

Players to watch out for:

Isco: The Spanish superstar is officially the best young player in the world and plays like it too. He reads the game brilliantly, shoots well and has a vast passing range. He was crucial to Malaga topping the group stages and again pivotal when they beat Porto. If Malaga are to upset the team in yellow, Isco needs to be at his best.

Mario Gotze: Still only 21, Gotze has got the world on the edge of its seats with the quality of his all-round game; there are many talented young creative midfielders but none like him. He wins headers, falls back if required and can even play as a striker. His link-up play with his midfield is awe-inspiring and hardly ever gets knocked off the ball. Expect him to win it for Borussia.

Prediction: Malaga 2-1 Dortmund